Tristraum - Shiver (Maxi-CD)

This Maxi Single by Tristraum includes 10 remixes of the new song "Shiver" and the two additional b-sides "Brillant" and "I'm Under No One". The Remixes are made by well-known SynthPoP bands such as Assemblage 23, Echo Image, Equatronic, Infam, and many more.
Shiver features light electronic music in combination with a calm and almost hypnotizing female singing. Whereas the original version sounds boring by a linear process with no heights and depth, the remixes are able to exploit the real capability of this song. The "Whisper Remix" by the Norwegian band Echo Image transforms this song to a great propellant dance song, largely based on additional techno instrumentals that lives up to the expectations of any club DJ. The singing, which is the weak point of this song, was reduced to a minimum, and acts as an essential additional effect.
Also the "Empire State Human Remix" by Empire State Human upgrades this song with extra beats and rhythms to make it club-capable. The "Equatronic remix" turns this song into a light electronic mid-speed track based on a clear bass-line and pleasant piano playing.
Finally I have to mention the blasting "Lime N'Dale Remix" which transmutes "Shiver" to a fast techno-track based on heavy beats that builds a strong foundation for the female singing.

On the whole the remixes saved this song from a worse rating and successfully upgraded this otherwise boring and too integer song.

Opaq Face - Close Enough

This is the debut album by the American band Opaq Face whose members consists of Rob Bishop (Guitars) and Jeremy Herskowitz (keyboards, vocals). These guys produce light SynthPoP music accompanied with acoustic guitar playing.
From the beginning I was thrilled by the casual performance of their largely melancholic compositions. The use of the acoustic guitar covers an essential part. Without this organic element, the music otherwise would lose its warmth and charm. Jeremy also uses soft electronic instruments like strings, piano, chorus and oboe (e.g. Alone, Moment) to create a very gentle and uncongested musical background.
The music sometimes reminds me of the New Order 1989 album "Technique", but it's more melancholic and sensitive. The singing is kept very linear which depends on the limited vocal range of the singer. Well, I sometime wished a more vivid interpretation of the lyrics that could essentially strengthen the expressiveness of their songs. My absolute favourite is "Walk With God" which starts with an acoustic guitar intro and then transforms to a great dance track that is based on heavy synthetic strings and voluminous beats. I also like the alternation of menacing synthesiser sounds, soulful chorus, followed by acoustic guitar elements.. Unfortunately this debut includes only 7 tracks with a total running time of approx. 30 minutes. After listening to the whole album I felt a craving for more music by Opaq Face.

I have to recommend this music to all people who like mid speed electronic classics and ballads supported by acoustic guitars.

Carved Souls - Machinery

Carved Souls was formed in 2000 as a side project by the lead singer Jonny L. Suede from Unversed. The trio released their debut album "Reconstructed" on 30th October 2003 and now continue their work with "Machinery". "Machinery" sounds very dark and sometimes minatory too which depends on long-standing melodies and hauling rhythms (e.g. Never, Come To An End, Undress My Life). The singing varies from monotonous deep to melodic and sometimes catchy styles and therefore perfectly fits the adequate instrumental input.
As I prefer melodic SynthPoP music, songs like "Mind Pollution" and "Why Don't You Stay" are my favourites. But also the ballads (e.g. "Never", "Feel You Tomorrow", "Lay Down Your Thoughts", "Do You Fell It") enrich this album with very melancholic melodies and a more melodic singing. I was surprised by the minimalist compositions of those slow-speed tracks, isolating the essential elements but still able to create a full musical backdrop.

On the whole, "Machinery" features very melancholic and dark sounds that give "Carved Soul" an unique charm distancing itself from the cold machinist sounds which the album title may suggest.

Duran Duran - Astronaut

Duran Duran is one of those 80s bands which never was a has-been. After their mega hits during 1981 and 1985 they brought out new albums at regular intervals of 2-3 years. Now they succeed with a great comeback with their new album "Astronaut". The first single "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" is on heavy rotation around the whole world. Well, no wonder - retro pop is in and with "Astronaut" Duran Duran perfectly melding the spirit of the age.
Whereas other 80s bands like Depeche Mode re-release their old stuff in a new designed package, Duran Duran present twelve brand new songs. Those songs are embossed by the bands typically electro-pop-funk-rock style that strongly reminds me of their early songs like "Notorious", "Relax", "Hungry Like the Wolf". The only difference to these early masterpieces is that the music receives a technical lift, keeping the music pleasant and up-to-date without loosing too much nostalgia.
Duran Duran also shows how they enhanced their compositions. Massive sounds, pulsating beats, and dark ballades based on brilliant and heavy underrated sound-backdrops are form the crux of this album. In Astronaut, Duran Duran present great music that is more than ordinary pop music, and raises the bar for current electro-pop music without losing it's roots.

My absolute favourites are the opener "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise", "Want You More!", "Finest Hour" and the ballad "What Happens Tomorrow", which I strongly have to recommend.