Try Out

Description

Founded in 1980 by SPATSZ (keyboards/electronics) - originally from Nancy - and MONA SOYOC (guitar, piano, vocals) - an American of Argentine descent - the duo quickly carved out a place for themselves in the French music scene. The 'sound' of KaS Product shakes up conventions with songs in English and machines at a time when France only accepted its native language and the guitar/bass/drums triptych. The band made their first public appearance in May 1980 at the Musiques Nouvelles festival in Nancy and recorded their first self-produced EPs, Mind Seven and Play Loud, which were immediately noticed by the press and radio in France and England. - - By blending the urgency of punk, New Wave sound, and a minimalism made possible by their duo configuration, KaS Product redefined the accepted limits of rock in France and beyond for nearly 10 years. Advocates of independent music, driven by a desire for marginalization and opposition, the band achieved significant critical acclaim, particularly from foreign press, an unexpected recognition for their taste for boldness and risk. A raw expression at the expense of melody or musicality at all costs is particularly evident in their first two albums: Try Out and By Pass. - - A third, more intimate album, Ego Eye, was released in 1987. In 1988, the duo went on hiatus. In 1990, the label New Rose released Black & Noir, a compilation of their first two self-produced singles and previously unreleased tracks from the 80s. Often considered pioneers of the electro-clash movement, the band retained the energy infused by Punk and significantly influenced a large part of the current French synth-pop scene. - - In 2005, KaS Product reformed for the Eurockéennes de Belfort and a few concerts in France before returning definitively to the forefront in 2012. While KaS Product was finalizing a new album, their first in 20 years, and preparing the release of a compilation for their 40th anniversary, Spatsz suddenly passed away on February 1, 2019. - - Completing these projects is a given for Mona Soyoc. Delayed by the health crisis, the compilation project was finalized in 2022. - - - - When we see the formidable and convincing energy displayed today on stage by Mona Soyoc, recently with Mellano Soyoc, we wish we had experienced the phenomenon at its inception. - - - - The iconic first album Try Out, already reissued on CD in 2013, is now also being released on vinyl. Furthermore, while only Black & Noir was previously available, the complete discography of the band is also arriving on digital platforms. - - Finally, Mona Soyoc has decided to form KaS Product Reload to return to the stage with this remarkable repertoire. There is no question of simply 'replacing' Spatsz; alongside Mona, we will find multi-instrumentalist Thomas Bouetel on machines and Marc Seberg's bassist, Pierre Corneau.