Fly Pan Am - C'est Ca (Album Review)

 

Fly Pan Am - C’est Ca

(2019)

My copy: 2019 press by Constellation

Following a lengthy withdrawal from releasing material, Montreal’s Fly Pan Am returned in 2019 with C’est Ca; a mysterious cloud of atmospheric guitar cut by beams of eccentric digital experiments and furious rhythmic detours. 

The introductory “Avant-Gardez Vous” is immediately haunting with electronic samples that contract and convulse like the rubbery muscles of an extraterrestrial creature, only bound slightly by flickering drums and processed synth; this fearful soundtrack eventually being replaced by the vibrant keys and electronic mock distortion of “Distance Dealer.” Fly Pan Am are not only masters of sound - they also collect accomplished rhythmic structures with post-punk melodic bass offsetting pockets of guitar distortion and chirping samples. A muted industrial march introduces us to “Bleeding Decay” which boots to life with electronics that flash rapidly, as if to score images of neurons firing. As guitars and synths bask in grand soundscapes, the bass motors away with tremolo to match the ever-shifting percussion. The vocals are the main detractor - ranging from inoffensive whispers to obnoxious black-metal screeching. 

“Dizzy Delusions” is one of the more relaxed interludes, relenting momentarily into a respite of warm, bending tones. “Each Ether” is a more forward mix of shoegaze and post-punk, culminating in a complicated progression starring the erratic rhythm section. “Alien Syntropy” describes itself adequately - using otherworldly hisses and beeps to create an immersive interlude ripe for a sci-fi-horror crossover set aboard a dying spacecraft. The IDM inspirations of “One Hit Wonder” continue with a futuristic sheen, though at times the production does feel slightly boxed in. There are divine moments of kraut-inspired repetition, as “Discreet Channeling” strips down to simple percussive responses to digital shrieks - exploring an interesting relationship between primal rhythms and synthetic melody. 

“Interface Your shattered Dreams” dives instantly into frenzied, rolling drums, breaking down later and basking in awkward bouts of silence. Howling winds and growling synths mark a fake ending, as the song reawakens with an unsettling dark-ambient piano that is cut-off before it can descend further into a gripping horror. The album resolves with hazy melodies that sound almost surgery compared to the darker moments that precede. 

Fly Pan Am are a totally underrated Constellation group that should gain more exposure, especially considering their background in the experimental scene of Montreal. C’est Ca is as mystifying as it is uniquely terrifying - utilizing tight rhythms to rocket listeners across the universe into a black hole of electronic chaos.