NEUROPA - Every Second (Maxi-CD)

After a short break Neuropa from Australia are back with a new single and a full-length forthcoming album. As on their previous releases they still rely on their successful 80s styled SynthPoP. Therefore "Every Second" is based on playful sounds, entranced in minimalist structures and supported by excellent singing which results in a very danceable and varied song. The CDM comes with about 5 remixes in different styles (a single version, a classic extended version, a typical club sound remix and finally techno styled remixes). It also includes an additional data-track that includes a Quicktime bonus-videoclip.
"Every Second" delivers all what you would expect of Neuropa and it really makes the listener
hungry for the forthcoming album, which hopefully will be released within a short time.

WIDEBAND NETWORK - Universe

Since I listened to the first single "Orbit" by Wideband Network I was very anxious to hear their debut album "Universe". Right now, I have this masterpiece of cross-over SynthPoP in my player and I am enjoying the varied and intelligent songs.
Well, some will wonder why I call it 'cross-over' SynthPoP? The reason is that Wideband Network successfully implemented different styles into their music with the result being a new kind of SynthPoP. The singing has lots of soul and groove, the music is based on an electronic foundation and gets support from electric guitar riffs.
On the whole "Universe" is a soothing album that delivers demanding yet wonderful melodies and excellent singing. The varied songs create an integral whole and safely guides the listener through the entire album. I never had the desire to push the "fast forward" button. One of my absolute favourites still is "Orbit", followed by "Forward Reverse Universe" as those songs show the creativity and wealth of ideas from this talented newcomer!
"Universe" is a great effort and it has pushed Wideband Network forward to the first league of electronic artists. Great music, great band, also great label (www.adifferentdrum.com)!

MELOTRON - Moerderwerk

"Moerderwerk" is the re-release of the same-named debut album by Melotron which was released in 1999. This release was not available for the last 2 years. Well, the re-release differs from the original. All tracks have been remastered and the re-release includes some new versions and b-sides from the 1999 release. The CD also appears with new artwork and delivers a surplus value. For people who still have not discovered Melotron this CD offers a great introduction to their consistent electronic music, which is highly varied. In direct comparision with their new album "Weltfrieden", "Mörderwerk" is based on very simple minimalist sound structures and does not include any EBM elements, just like the song "Brueder" on "Weltfrieden".
During their musical evolution Melotron were able to build a bridge between melancholy ballads, classic Synthpop and hard EBM music. Meltron also belong to (beside e.g. Welle:Erdball, Wolfsheim) the German bands, who perform their songs in German language.
Well, this CD is recommended for any synthpop collection and it's a must for each SynthPoP fan.

FAITH ASSEMBLY - Windmills (CD/DVD)

Faith Assembly are back with an exciting release that consists of a CD (HDCD -
high definition format) and a region-free DVD (NTSC norm). Both discs are delivered in a wonderful box with a high quality glossy color booklet.
Windmills includes some new compositions and remixes of songs which are also
available on previous releases ("Allure", "Denial", "Off The Highwire", and others). Even though this CD includes old songs it's not a "Best of" album. All songs, remixes got reworked and they represent a new view to Faith Assembly's music. Because of this "face-lifting", all the songs sound very modern and perfectly fit the desire of modern listeners who demand romantic SynthPoP. Also the recording and mastering quality is amazing and will satisfy audiophile listeners too. No noises, excellent dynamic and a wide stereo range are the characteristics of this release.
The DVD includes 9 mostly live performed songs which are integrated in a little movie that consists of short takes and fragments of live-cuts. The picture is free from noises, delivers brilliant colors and a sufficient sharpness. Sometimes little MPEG artifacts reduce the otherwise good picture quality. The sound quality (only 2.0 stereo) is quite good and leaves nothing to be desired.
Well, the idea of combining music with video performance has been realized in a commendable way.
Demanding compositions and reworks, excellent sound and good picture quality make this an excellent package that is absolutely a must for all who like romantic SynthPoP music.