Title: Ultra High-Tech Violet
Artist: Standeg
Genre: Electronic
Release Date: 18th November 2008
Label: Artoffact Records
Album Review
STANDEG is a German electronic project founded by the Björn & Sven Jünemann. If those names don’t ring any bells, they were former members of HAUJOBB and were involved in the production of such albums like ‘Homes & Gardens’ and ‘Freeze Frame Reality’. Not so long ago a STANDEG track appeared on the last Septic compilations of the now defunct Dependent label and gained lots of attention. Quite some time has passed since, but now the two piece returns from the nothingness with the full-length ‘Ultra High-tech Violet’…
That song I was talking about earlier is called ‘Replikant’ and is the album’s opener and begins with a simple piano tone that’s repeated over and over again. Soon various samples and sound are added, rich drums come our way, but the song really starts rolling with the arrival of the harsh riff alternating with the piano playing the very same melody while being surrounded by swirling synths. The second track ‘Homes & Gardens’ actually is a cover version of the same-titled HAUJOBB song, the Jünemann brothers helped to produce. The rhythm’s not too complex, so I think it should be no problem to dance to it in the club. The subtle synth layers casually supported by chorals join forces with chopped guitar riffs and the vocals are constantly increasing their aggressiveness erupting with “A million steel drums for you” that keeps pushing you forward. The following ‘Photograph’ is more of a calm piece and sometimes while listening to the song I’m finding myself reminded of IN STRICT CONFIDENCE’s ‘Eye of Heaven’ in terms of atmospheric intensity, created with lots of textures and a chiming piano melody, that’s drifting through it.
‘RevolVex’ is – with its 12 minutes duration – the longest track on ‘Ultra High-tech Violet’ and entirely instrumental, which is being carried by melancholic piano through the first few minutes with various samples and textures interlaced with it for an even denser atmosphere, while later a rhythm emerges and the guitar soon starts to take over the piano’s theme.. ‘Teaser One’ is a soundtrack-like piece of music that’s impressively showcasing the possibilities of atmospheric epic sound creation by seamlessly blending samples pads, and monumental drum beats to amazing 3,5 minutes of pure ambience topped off by short but compelling piano section halfway through the song. STANDEG frequently use guitars in their tracks and for the most parts I’m fine with that, but on ‘Image in Motion’ I think those sequences destroy the mood, rather than adding something to it. The track would work out perfectly without them. It has atmosphere, an elaborated rhythmic section and intensely arranged vocals, so why not leave it at that?
Despite that little flaw, it’s perfectly clear to me that we have a release here that is on par with some of the big names in the electro/industrial genre with a matured and unique sound that benefits from the musical experiences of both members. Stefan Herwig was right in putting them on a Septic compilation. Hope there’s more to come in the future.
Tracklist
01. Replikant – 6:11
02. Homes & Gardens – 4:47
03. Photograph – 4:16
04. 25 Hours – 5:25
05. Further Dose – 4:43
06. Revol Vex – 12:03
07. Imprint Image – 4:29
08. Retribution – 4:20
09. Vanity – 4:41
10. Easy to Forget – 5:47
11. Teaser One – 3:29
12. Image In Motion – 6:39
Line-up
Sven & Björn Jünemann
Website
http://www.standeg.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/standeg
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10
{jos_sb_discuss:19}
Comments powered by CComment