Silica Gel - La Mitad | Nada Es Eterno (Maxi-CD)

Silica Gel are from Madrid (Spain) and these two singles are the precursors of the forthcoming album Genesis. Silica Gel combine classic Synth-pop, techno and trance elements with a very melodic singing based on Spanish lyrics. The two single-tracks convince with mid-speed rhythms which convey catchy melodies and feature a faultless and dynamic singing which are done in harmonies for the chorus'. The remixes are generally made by ADD artist like Sequencia (Argentine), Syrian (Italy) and Rupesh Cartel (Sweden) and cover the spectrum from classic Synthpop to 'uptempo' club and dance versions.
I especially appreciate the 'Empty-Sosofo Remix' of 'La Mitad' which is a high energy dub mix which includes the remarkable elements of Faithless 'Insomnia', having vocals just at the end of the track. Moreover the 'Orchestral End' version shows the sensitive face of Silica Gel, where 'La Mitad' has been turned into a melancholy ballad where electronic strings make the melody; and the drums are replaced by timbales.

The single 'La Mitad' also includes two additional tracks named 'Todo Sigue Igual (2005 version)' and 'Dudar' which are not necessarily outshone by the single. Whereas 'Todo Sigue Igual' shows the more melancholy side of 'Silica Gel' without foregoing a solid bass line, 'Dudor' consists of trance elements and explosive beats and techno runs, representing a well-done club song.

The second single 'Nada Es Eterno' includes 5 tracks, 4 remixes and an exclusive song named 'Por Que Me Niegas'. 'Syrian' had a good hand in transforming this track into a great vocal trance song without destroying the original melancholy core. But I also have to mention the remix by 'Rupesh Cartel' which starts with chilling elements and increases the bpms during the refrains. The 'B-Side' 'Por Que Me Niegas' is a very melancholy mid-speed track where electric guitar give the song some background substance. Silica Gel has released two outstanding singles where the additional tracks are little gems.

After these two singles I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming album 'Genesis'.

Rupesh Cartel - Mainland (limited edition)

'Mainland' is the first full length album by Swedish newcomers Rupesh Cartel. The limited edition of this debut also comes with an additional disc which includes three bonus tracks and three remixes of album tracks.

Rupesh Cartel relies on classic Synth-pop music with all its usual ingredients. The compositions always have a catchy melody as well as a good portion of melancholy, without sounding too dark. The melodies are mainly accompanied by cleverly bounded and sometimes playful (e.g. Contract) electronic elements, which notably effect the characteristic of their music.
It's apparent that 'Rupesh Cartel' must have spent a lot of time fiddling about with the sounds that result in their unique style. The singing qualities keep up to the well-done compositions even though it sounds a little bit coarse and a little bit forced for the first time. When I re-listen to the song I find I would miss remarkable vocals as they are responsible for a lustier characteristic.

Well, I really got spellbound from the first track 'Contract' to the final track 'A Switch', which depended on the fact that each track supports the other and mid-speed tracks alternate with 'up-tempo' songs (e.g. Death With Soft Names, Yours To Command, Retainer) keeping the interest of the listener.
The three bonus tracks on the additional disc are well-done too. Whereas 'Days Like This' and 'Your New World' are wonderfully melancholy compositions, 'Nowhere Fast' represents a classic Synth-pop song. The remix decreases the speed of the original representing some kind of 'chilling-out' music (e.g. 'Porta Negro' remix of To Climb, 'Quarks' remix of Retainer).

On the whole I have to say that this is an outstanding debut album. This Swedish duo demonstrates that the best electronic Synth-pop music still comes from the European North.

This is the second album by the American band Leiahdorus. In Sept. 2001 Leiahdorus released their debut 'Ashes To Ashes' and earned a reputation for his romantic style of electronic music. 'Ashes To Ashes' was entirely electronic and convinces with unusual sound structures and Jason Smiths exceptional vocal performance.

On 'Parallel Universe' the basics arrangements are still electronic but some tracks have been upgraded with electric guitars ('When It's Dark') and toy piano ('Flowers'). The composition has also lost some of its sterility and has become more full sounding adding a certain warmth to the tracks. As a result the music sounds more authentic as on the debut. Leiahdorus still kept their unique vocal performance which leads to an unmistakable sound that is their own sound.
'Parallel Universe' is a very harmonious album where 'Leiahdorus' successfully conveys mainly melancholy emotions(e.g. 'Run', 'Flowers', 'When It's Dark I'm Five Again', 'New York Told Me So'), but also sadness (e.g. 'Freeways', 'S.O.S.') and happiness (e.g. 'Kiss On The Telephone') on clever compositions, which always keep a minimalist sound but also astonishing rich.
'When It's Dark I'm Five Again' and 'New York Told Me So' are my absolute favourites as these songs provide a catchy core in a melancholy environment, which makes them very memorable.

I wouldn't say that Leiahdorus redefines Synth-pop music but they created a different view to this kind of electronic music with unusually brilliant compositions.

Well, I am happy about the fact that Depeche Mode have been in the business for 20 years and I still appreciate any releases from the kings of Synth-pop music. 'Precious' is the forerunner of the upcoming album 'Playing The Angel'. The pre-orders on Amazon show that Depeche Mode still have a big community around the world even though I believe that Depeche Mode lost their original spirit when Alan Wilder left the band.

'Precious' is an experienced and slippery pop song where Depeche Mode relied on old-school elements and sound structures. But the remixers transformed this average song into boring extended versions, where all the catchy melodies got destroyed by monotonous and repeating sounds and annoying vocal dubs.
Unfortunately the album or single version inscrutable is not available on this Maxi-CD. Also the additional 'B'-Side track 'Free' is anything but a catchy songs, it sounds clumsy and callow. It's a bunch of unusual sounds in combination with a wailing vocal line and a leading bass-line! This release is a little catastrophe and an absolutely poor purchase.

It is the first Depeche Mode disc I resold on Ebay. From now I will be much more hesitant in buying a single released before the full length CD.