Title: My Despair
Artist: In Strict Confidence
Genre: Electro, Alternative, Pop
Release Date: 20th November 2009
Label: Minuswelt
EP Review
The German electro band has become a really big name in the alternative music scene over the years. Derived from the quartet SEAL OF SECRECY, which was founded by Dennis Ostermann, Stefan Vesper, Thomas Steiger and Jörg Schelte in 1989/1990, the formation was named to IN STRICT CONFIDENCE in 1992. Firstly, the line-up only consisted of Ostermann and Schelte who delivered the debut release `Cryogenix´ in 1996 after recording the tapes `Sound Attack´ (1992) and `Hell Inside/Hell Outside´ (1994). Eventually, `Face the Fear´ was the band’s stroke of genius making them very popular in the European alternative club scene. In 2001, the album `Love kills!´ as well as the single `Zauberschloss´ hit the German Alternative Charts and even made it to #1 for several weeks. Further releases such as `Mistrust the Angels´ (2002), `Holy´ (2004) or `Exile Paradise´ (2006) consolidated the band’s reputation as a reliable supplier of danceable electronic anthems and were able to attract a loyal following.
The new EP entitled with `My Despair´ can also be seen as a foretaste of the upcoming full-length album which will be released in 2010. Though hardcore fans will be waiting impatiently for the latter one, `My Despair´ is definitely worth buying as it features the title track in all in all five versions plus the tracks `Feelings´ and `Constant Flow´. I have to admit that I didn’t expect a soundscape like this: After a guitar-driven intro, Dennis Ostermann’s sonorous vocals resound and form a rather throttled verse. Contrary to the mid-tempo rhythms, the master’s voice displays passion and power underlining the track’s message in an authentic manner. The catchy as hell and at the same time mellifluous chorus impressed me due to the yearning melody coming up with a certain pop-appeal and resulting in a nearly radio-ready track. Moreover, the songs `Feelings´ and `Constant Flow´ are promising harbingers making curious about what comes next.
`Feelings´ begins with ethereal synth sounds and turns out to be the premiere of the new entrant Nina de Lianin whose bright and beautiful voice totally matches with the dreamy song’s atmosphere. `Constant Flow´ is a rhythmic and vibrant piece that will please all dance-willing listeners who enjoy classical electro up-tempo sounds. Thus, the varied EP offers something for every taste and is reason enough to assume that the announced full-length release will also be ear-candy from the house of IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
Tracklist
01. My Despair (Single Version)
02. My Despair (Clubmix)
03. Feelings
04. My Despair (Sono Remix)
05. Constant Flow
06. My Despair (Slowdive)
07. My Despair (Extended Version)
Bonus: My Despair (Video)
Line-up
Dennis Ostermann - songwriting, vocals
Jörg Schelte - songwriting, keys
Stefan Vesper - songwriting, drums
Antje Schulz - vocals
Haydee Sparks - live guitars
Nina de Lianin - vocals
Website
http://www.instrictconfidence.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/instrictconfidence
Cover-Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: 8 (bonus video)
Total: 8 / 10
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