62 minutes

Die Form
Extremum

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether Die Form frontman Philippe Fichot is a thoughtful connoisseur of highbrow erotica or just a kinky creep. In any case, his long-suffering (and I mean that literally) photography model and co-vocalist Éliane P. invariably appears nude on the CD-jacket covers and is frequently depicted hooked up to some particularly painful-looking contraption. Or just tied up uncomfortably. It's a wonder she still has enough energy to sing.

Oh, well. Chacun à son goût.

I had the opportunity to interview Fichot for Side-Line magazine a few years ago. It was all done via e-mail, so I didn't get a chance to meet him personally and see if he wears latex and leather as his casual, everyday getup. But I did get to ask him a few questions that had been on my mind about Die Form. You can read the interview here.

It's been interesting to watch this project grow from a rather experimental group to something a bit poppy to something more austere and elegant, yet still edgy. They have a recognizable sound and even a recognizable look, thanks to Fichot's unique photographic aesthetic. They have, as the suits say, a brand.

A very perverted brand.

Also today:

61:56 HERR, Es Regnet das Leben Heraus
61:56 Misericordia, Robins M'Aime
61:55 Lumin, Hadra
61:54 Ulrich Schnauss, A Strangely Isolated Place
61:53 Hocico, Sangre Hirviente
61:53 Mike VanPortfleet, Beyond the Horizon Line
61:49 Vinterriket & Northaunt, Vinterriket & Northaunt
61:47 Brain Leisure, Mindfire