De/vision - Devolution Tour 2003 + I Regret 2003

After "Moments We Shared" (1995), "FairyLive" (1996) and the unplugged recording of the PopKomm gig in 2001, "Devolution Tour 2003" is the fourth live album from De/Vision.
As customary the two-man band was supported by a live guitarist and drummer during the whole concert. The use of acoustic instruments resulted in an enhanced dynamic of the otherwise smooth and sterile electronic sounds. The live recording is amazingly well done and the sound characteristics stand out and are clear as crystal. Driving basses add to the excellent dynamic. Bothersome background noise has been successfully eradicated. The sound engineer also had the right touch, limiting the acclamations and clapping of the audience that also was faded in at the right position. This results in a well-done authentic live feeling.
Listeners who assume that this live album includes all tracks of the latest album will be disappointed, as it only includes 3 recent tracks ("Sadness", "Digital Dream", "Drifting Sideways"). So "Devolution Tour 2003" maybe the wrong album title, as most of the songs representing a retrospective of the ten-year history of De/vision.

The limited edition comes with the separate available CD-Single "I Regret 2003". The single includes remodelled remix of "I Regret", "Bleed Me White", "Try To Forget" (maybe the most remixed de/vision song) and "Blue Moon" as live track. All the remixes are packing the already dusty classics into a new vestment.

On the whole this album is quite convincing, with a variety of tracks that are presented in an excellent live quality that is able to replicate a "live-feeling". The bonus disc also satisfies the demand of DJs who are looking for club-compatible versions of De/vision songs. Bravo De/vision!

Common Dream - Gravity

The Poland trio "Common Dream" was founded in 1991 under the name "Oxygene". "Gravity" is the fist full-length album and was released in 2003. Prior to this release, their music was only available on different compilations like "Synthetics" and "SynthPoP The Next Generation". During the last 12 years they constantly improved their music and singing which was influenced by the music of Depeche Mode and related bands. With the release of "Gravity", Common Dream sounds like a matured band now that presents their own individual and unique style, far and away from the likes of any Depeche Mode influence. "Gravity" is marked with slow to mid tempo songs. Those songs create a close and very warm atmosphere supported by a very clear and smooth vocal approach. The added acoustic guitar playing is also strengthening the naturalness and authenticity of their songs. Even if there are some eighties influences recognizable, especially by the choice of electronic sounds, "Gravity" sound pleasantly modern and absolutely fitting the recent demand.
On the whole I really was surprised by the qualities of this Polish band. "Gravity" conquered one of the top positions in my CD shelves and is periodically spoiling my ears.

"Terra E" is the third full-length album by the German band Edenfeld. Edenfeld are well known for making smooth and melancholic electronic music and keeping the meaning of SynthPoP music. "Terra E" is continuing in this tradition. It delivers about 12 tracks including the single "Superstar" which is a cover originally sung by Marianne Rosenberg. In direct comparison with the last album it is more danceable and surprises the listener with a hand full catchy songs (e.g. "For You", "I'm Not The Captain", "Alles Wieder Gut"). I don't know if it is a pure chance or intentional, but the song "For You" includes some elements of the Depeche Mode song "No disco". With "I'm Not The Captain", Edenfeld jumbled up the sequence of the song, which is usually like intro -> first verse -> refrain -> instrumental -> second verse -> outro. "I'm Not the Captain" looks like refrain -> first verse -> second verse -> refrain -> instrumental -> refrain -> outro. This song is followed by another very danceable and catchy song named  "Alles Wieder Gut" (Everything is going to be alright). "Terra E" also surprises us with very melancholic ballades like "Slip'n Slide", "Wahres Ich", "No Longer" which are a pleasant alternative to the danceable songs.
Well, I also have to mention the improvement of the singer's voice. When listening to the two predecessors the singer's voice always sounded pressed and yammering. On "Terra E" I recognized not even a suggestion of this characteristic.

Edenfeld really made some improvements with  "Terra E" - better singing, more danceable and catchy tracks, and well-done varied electronic compositions which result in the best album by "Edenfeld" so far.

Rector Scanner - Vocoder

The German band Rector Scanner, aka Rene Nowotny, has existed since 1998. With "Vocoder" he released his first full-length album. "Vocoder" reflects Rene Nowotny's affection to bands like "Kraftwerk", "Depeche Mode" and at least "Front 242". This debut album covers the range of electronic, hard danceable tracks to smooth ballads. The songs are based on simple but massive sound-structures where are completed with the usual electronic ingredients. By alternating his voice Rene Nowotny tries to hide his weakness in singing, but is also creating a perfect symbiosis of singing and instrumentals. Well "Vocoder" isn't' slight fare as it includes some surreal elements and the focus is set to the instrumentals. It includes a lot of new and also proven ideas and represents Rene Nowotny's creative vein. In my opinion "Vocoder" unfortunately sounds much too sterile and technical. What I miss most is the inclusion of melancholic danceable songs compared with smooth singing which invite one to dance.

At least, "Vocoder" is the suitable title for this electronic work and more or less keeps what it promises.