System Exclusive and the frayed edge neon escape of "Game of the Fool" (Official Video)

 

"give it up, give it up..."

Hypnotic, utterly raw, compulsively precise, a criss crossed sweet mixture of math rock / art punk  casio-fied, and the kind of science fiction that comes from the past. These are all thoughts that come to mind listening, stepping into the curious fray of "Game of the Fool" by System Exclusive, a two piece Pasadena (CA) based band comprised of Ari Blaisdell and Matt Jones. I also thought of late 70's proto punk / odd rock outifts like Kraftwerk, Siouxsie and the Banshees and 80's Berlin. The atmosphere here feels cool but anxious, the smashed beat and percolating guitar lines, drones of synths portend danger. There is (to me) a sense strident empowerment and an undercurrent of tangible reticence in Ari's  captivating vocal aesthetic.    

"Game of the Fool" if from the bands eponymous recently released full length "System Exclusive" via Castle Face Records. Ari Blaisdell on vox and guitar and Matt Jones on drums and Synths. I never get tired of this sound when done right and Ari and Matt craft an exquisite electronic and organic blend that sucks you into a universe cast in neon blue.

-Robb Donker Curtius






THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

https://systemexclusive.bandcamp.com/album/system-exclusive

https://www.instagram.com/system.exclusive/

Ari Blaisdell and Matt Jones are System Exclusive: a Pasadena based two piece band bearing an armful of mini synths, making heart-throbbing capital P pop cut with more than a hint of post-punk. Blaisdell’s vocals hearken back to openhearted 80’s hitmakers unafraid to quaver in the name of love, and they’re buoyed by Jones’ laser-gridded synth concoctions and heavy hand on the ones and twos.


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 System Exclusive, shoegaze, new wave, proto punk, electronica, old sci-fi, Pasadena, Ca, Ari Blaisdell, Matt Jones, "Game of the Fool", Castle Face Records, "System Exclusive" album,