De/vision - Turn Me On (Maxi-CD)

Since De/vision singed with the American label A Different Drum (www.adifferentdrum.com) they are still able to release additional single releases to their full-length albums during the disconcerting situation with the major labels in Europa (e.g. BMG Music).
"Turn Me On" is the second single release from the last album "6 Feet Underground" which was released in mid 2004. The single includes an unaltered album version, remixes by "Delobbo", "Wave In Head" and "Rename" and the single version of the album track "Unputdownable".
"Turn Me On" originally is based on a harder rhythm that got eased for the remix by "Wave In Head" and totally removed for the remixes from "Delobbo" and "Rename". As the "Delobbo" remixes are best characterized as dub remixes with frequently repeated parts, "Rename" added recycled elements we know from their song "Limelight (roxy mixshow)" and were able to transform this ballade to an easygoing dance version. The remix by "Wave In Head" sounds more synthetic but carefully keeps the original core.

This Maxi-Single is a worthwhile addendum to the album released in 2004 and maybe the last "6 Feet Underground" single release as De/vision are already working on their next album.

Echo Us - Echo Us

This is the debut album by the American band "Echo Us" including 9 tracks. Ethan Matthews of Echo Us is producing modern electronic music that is close-packed with surreal sound structures that are able to create a very dark atmosphere. It's the elaborate use of slight electronic effects combined with electronic guitars that loosen the heavy dark songs and are responsible for the variation of the compositions. This debut album cannot deny its experimental characteristics and it follows through with melodic and smooth mid-speed tracks like "Dreaming", "Who Loves You" and "In The Fall". In my opinion the vocal qualities of Ethan Matthews does not keep up with the instrumental qualities. His voice sounds too thin and sometimes pressed.
On the whole this album features varied ambient and ethereal electronic music including extended instrumental parts which may not be everyone's fare.

According to the 20th anniversary of the band's history, Erasure (Vince Clarke and Andy Bell) are back with another glorious full-length album featuring eleven brand new mid-speed songs. This album may divide the fan-base as many listeners will be disappointed by the sounds and techniques that are the same as 20 years before. On the other side loyal fans - like me - appreciate this album as it convinces the listener with wonderful minimalist compositions made of "old-fashioned" analogous sounds that create a surprisingly rich atmosphere. As usual Andy Bell's remarkable soprano voice is kept in the foreground and adroitly balances on the filigree musical compositions.
Nightbird is brimming with several ballades including the single "Breathe". The three tracks "I'll Be There", "All This Time Still Falling Out Of Love" and "Sweet Surrender" represent danceable songs with modern and aerate instrumentals, but are more melancholic in tone.

On the whole Nightbird is predestined to be the perfect winter album that creates a melancholy and warm atmosphere when days are shortened and nights are gloomy and cold.
People who loved "Chorus" (1991) will be fully satisfied by Nightbird!

L'Avantgarde - Inside Out

For their second album "Inside Out" L'Avantgarde were able to improve their skill in making SynthPoP music. The compositions now sound more harmonious, and the singing is much improved. This German duo made a great leap forward and is now performing mature and classic SynthPoP music.
On the whole L'Avantgarde have proved their skill in perfectly unifying very melancholic singing with dance-capable rhythms and reliable electronic sounds. As a result, "Inside Out" features mid-speed tracks with dance-capable compositions like the opener "Recall Of Night", "Our Fate (Final)", "Not Enough", "Airs And Graces" and "Things have Changed (Again)". L'Avantgarde also perform some adorable ballades served with a large portion of melancholy that sounds credible and authentic (i.e. "Dedicated", "The World We Live In").

On "Inside Out" L'Avantgarde have not disappointed us and have climbed to the squad of matured SynthPoP bands. "Inside Out" is a remarkable release that I have to recommend to people who like classic 90s styled SynthPoP music.