Another awesome release on Rome's Mannequin Records, this time it is a split EP that puts together French cold-wave (or brutal-wave) heroes Frank (Just Frank) and Soviet Soviet, Italy's most alienated postpunkers. FJF in a few months became a pillar of the new new-wave scene and personally i think that they are in a state of grace. The 5 tracks presented here are very close to perfection with a painstaking attention to details. Their 15 minutes side departs from the bleak and tipically cold-wave sounds of their debut album ('The Brutal Wave' on Wierd Records) towards a seamless fusion of analogue machines with an intricate guitar work. The vocal parts improved and reveal more of the emotional side of Chris and Kirti's lyrics. There are two astounding instrumentals, placed as intro and outro of their side - 'Saint' is my favourite and made me think about those simple and devastating Sisters Of Mercy's first instrumental sketches. 'Valerie' is a highlight here and the finest moments of Little Nemo come to mind. 'Do The Soviet' is dancey and steers away from the melancholic mood that usually pervades their compositions. The track is dedicated to Soviet Soviet's gig in Nice, at the beginning of this year and celebrates the friendship between the two bands. With Soviet Soviet is an entirely different affair as they deliver a personal take on the pitch-black side of post-punk and draw inspiration directly from the first Wire and Kiling Joke. In their side of the split, they take you by the hand in a modern tale of urban psychosis. Their sound can be described as howling guitars over a skull crushing-rhythm section, actually one of the best i've heard in years.'Lokomotiv' is the track that made me fall for them, an unstoppable aggression that gets everyone moshing, when played live . 'S.Y.' is a one-way trip to Death Valley 69, if you get what i mean. 'Cobretto' will suddenly make you dance and tighten your jaw. Be sure not to miss their live shows, some of the best in Europe. Limited edition of 500 copies ' Silkscreen ultra limited edition of 50.