Once The Scaners beamed us aboard for their III LP, we were fully converted to the cause. By that point, the French-based (though almost certainly extraterrestrial) synth-punk outfit had already logged two successful missions, simply titled I and II. The fact that album number four is called 0 (Zero) suggests we’re dealing with some kind of prequel.

In reality, 0 (Zero) is a collection assembled from various corners of the band’s history on Earth. Across 17 tracks, The Scaners gather B-sides from long sold-out singles, hidden compilation cuts, alternate versions, unreleased demos, a cover of The Fall’s Sparta FC, and a pair of brand-new transmissions exclusive to this release.

The thing is, even when working with odds and ends, The Scaners rarely miss. What could have been a stopgap release instead feels like further proof that this band has been operating at a remarkably high level for years. The synths still sound like they’re powered by stolen alien technology, and the energy remains delightfully unhinged.

This isn’t just one for the faithful. 0 (Zero) is potent enough to recruit an entirely new batch of enthusiasts to the mothership.

LP available through Wap Shoo Wap Records (NL) and Dangerhouse Skylab (FR). Cassette available via Idiotape Records (AUS/EU).

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