Evelyne / Masao bring Tespattern to Dark Entries for the labels first foray into vintage Japanese electronics. Masao Hiruma and Fumio Ichimuras project Testpattern is known for their release Apres-Midi, a cult slab of synthpop perfection released by Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosonos legendary Yen Records in 1982. While Hiruma and Ichimura parted ways following Apres-Midi, Hirumas musical endeavors would continue after meeting French/American model and vocalist Evelyne Bennu in 1984 at a caf bar where she would sit and write poetry. Their collaborative efforts as Evelyne/Masao were fruitful, and the duo first performed together in June 1984 on a television program called TOKYO ROCK TV. The album Testpattern comprises seventeen songs recorded in Hirumas home studio, which have never been released previously. The Evelyne/Masao duo continues building on the soundworld of Apres-Midi: lush, sophisticated electronics with intricate yet minimalist production. Tracks like Sakuramochi and Bird Island bear influence from Hosono most clearly, their soaring melodies revealing a subtly ironic redeployment of East Asian musical tropes. But Testpattern is more than homage to Yellow Magic Orchestra. Tabac and Le Soleil Se Leve display oddball sensibilities closer to Sky Records icons Asmus Tietchens or Cluster. Elsewhere, the project shows affinity for the punkier ethos of continental DIY electronics, like on the quirky Alien Go Home and a positively skewed cover of Singin in the Rain. Bennus vocals provide a common thread through these explorations, as she alternates deftly between New Wave deadpan and unhinged chanson singercheck her waxing maximally Francophone on Au Clair de Lune, based on an 18th century French song. Testpattern will be available on both double LP as well as CD, and includes a fold-out poster with liner notes with lyrics. This album is dedicated to Masao Hiruma, who passed away in 2011.