WL//WH Video Of The Day: LOVATARAXX “Venus Ana”

Video Of The Day Lovataraxx

Hailing from Strasbourg, France, Lovataraxx is a DIY coldwave / synthwave / dark-synth duo, comprised of Hélène and Julien Lovataraxx, whose musical influences range from Alan Vega’s Suicide, Joy Division, to D.A.F, Tuxedomoon, Front 242, Fad Gadget, creating a sound that blurs the lines of 80s coldwave, dark/industrial pop and movies soundtracks.

Heady lyrics meticulously flow with fierce determination, while propulsive beats, rumbling bass and swirling synth over haunting coarse vocals, forging a poignant concoction of sinisterly circling obscure sounds. Dark ritual pagan themes bring edgy drama into the sonic mix allowing for captivating and intense live performances.

Distant arcane atmospherics and terse kicks erupt into obsessive, tight, pulsating bassline and quick clear evocative female vocals that cut through waves of motion igniting drone alarms to rise in intensity. Repetitive hypnotic backbeats intermix with fast, menacing, and aggressive rhythmic synth bleeding, note to note, into a deep repetitive bass to instill an ominous sense of disoriented mania.

Graphic lyrics, from the poem “Venus Anadyomene” by Arthur Rimbaud, filled with hideous detailed imagery describe a fat, disfigured woman with an overwhelming foul stench emanating from an ulcered anus tattooed, “Clara Venus.” Meant to take aim at modern women’s ideal physical form, “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, Clara‘s attractiveness comes from her confidence and her many imperfections.

Quick flashing strobe lights pierce the darkness of a cathedral holding a synth alter as plumes of smoke drift from abundant candelabra. Statues stare in wonder from the alcoves as disturbing images reveal human torture. Signature echoed yells blur the air as a kaleidoscope of ritual imagery bears witness to the mecca of swirling synth layers rotating at different speeds of harmony.