James D. Stark - Fortress Of Solitude

Fortress Of Solitude is James D. Starks second full-length album which includes about 10 tracks. James D. Stark describes himself as a darkwave artist. Well, that's exactly what his music reflects. Fortress Of Solitude represents consistently melancholic mid-speed electronic music including lots of dark and gothic ingredients. I have the heart to say that James D. Stark developed his own unique darkwave electronic style which he enriched with his convincing good singing. Despite the use of electronic instruments the album sounds pleasantly warm and authentic, all intensified by his serene singing. James also adapted the Depeche Mode song "Halo" that fits perfectly with the rest and does not raise any idea of originally being a Depeche Mode composition. "Fortress Of Solitude" is able to create an inimitable melancholic atmosphere without leading to tedium - thanks to the sallying songs "Need", "Tears In The Dark" and "Home".
Well, James D. Stark imposingly showed his skills in producing empathetic music based on matured compositions and excellent vocal qualities. It gives a good feeling to hold this little masterpiece in the hand.

De/vision - 6feetunderground (Limited edition)

With this release De/Vision still leaves aside analogue instruments and concentrates on electronic ingredients which show their apprenticeship of proper SynthPoP. Both, old and new fans will be surprised by an exciting and manifold album that convinces of pure romantic SynthPoP music.
I had the chance to order one of the 1,000 copies of the limited US edition which includes two additional tracks - "Unputdownable (single edit)" and "I'm Not Dreaming Of You (extended club version)". The album starts with a mellow opener followed by the only really danceable and very catchy track named "I'm Not Dreaming Of You". The third title "Unputdownable" delivers beautiful opulent melodies and exciting sound structures which perfectly reflect the distinctive skills of De/Vision in making high-demanding electronic music. From that track onwards the music drifts more and more into dark and melancholic melodies which create a tight sound backdrop. Whereas the previous album "Devolution" was embossed by very melancholic ballads, "6 Feet Underground" delivers less relevant songs.
After listening to the whole album I was sure De/Vision must have had a lot of fun in experiencing with new and unusual sounds as well as successfully turning away from commercial pop. Personally, I would have liked more common and melodic songs, like "I'm Not Dreaming Of You", "Aimee" or "Take Me Over" which are workaday capable. However, it's very appealing to see the artists creating something new which differs from the usual stuff. Referring to this, De/Vision is delivering a direct hit and was able to make another step forward. But after two romantic full-length albums, I was hoping for a more danceable and poppy successor which delivers at least mid-speed songs and propellant beats.

Absorber - Open Your Eyes

After investing three years in "Open Your Eyes", enhancing their technique, the German trio Absorber is presenting their debut album featuring a high-demanding professional recording standard. The band delivers their debut with a compilation of different electronic styles. Classic melancholic SynthPoP songs (e.g. "Open Your Eyes", "Day By Day" and "Only You") alternate with ballads (e.g. "Reich Mir Deine Hand", "Remember The Feeling") and dancefloor-capable tracks (e.g. "Gimme Hope", "Leave It All Behind"). The result is a multi-faceted album of well-done electronic compositions supported by an excellent and varied singing.
In comparison with most of the debut albums this release sounds astonishingly matured. I was very surprised by the depth of effects and electronic sounds which were perfectly mixed into an unique whole. Also the singing which covers a wide range from dark disturbed to pleasant melodic and proper voices leaves nothing to be desired. The compositions are sounding extensively catchy, mostly based on propellant beats combined with lots of melodic hooks but without drifting into commercial music (e.g. "The Fall", "Open Your Eyes", "We Don't Love It"). So Absorber evidences that alternative electronic music does not have to overlook creativity to be very catchy, melodic and especially danceable.
"Open Your Eyes" is my summer surprise and one of my favourites since first listening to it. I am very happy that another German band is enriching the German SynthPoP scene with excellent electronic music.

As a rule I spend little money on 'non-synthpop' songs. But "I Try" is an exception. The song is well-known as title-song for the SKODA Octavia television advertising. It's performed by the German quintet Frameless.
The CD-Maxi includes the radio and extended version of "I Try" and the two addition tracks "Anyone" and "If I Ever". It represents light guitar pop music with a melancholic touch, combined with an excellent singing that convinces of a wide range voice. Especially the extended version strengthens the melancholy of the song by the extended guitar playing that reminds us of old stuff by The Cure. The two additional songs are of the same high quality and are acceptable bonus.
I have to recommend this Maxi-CD to all who like pop music based on light acoustic guitar playing including the right portion of melancholy and independence. It's also the perfect alternative to electronic music - well, there are also some keyboards in the background J.