Band name: Ballad Bombs
Title: And Then We Danced
Genre: Gothic/Wave
Release date: 2nd February 2007
Record Company / Label: 3 Lanka / Distribution: Discomania
Introduction
BALLAD BOMBS were formed in 1986 by ARMIN JOHNERT, MARK WALTER and STEVE SCHOENROCK. At that time they played a lot of gigs all over Germany especially in Göttingen, Kassel, Wilhelmshafen and Hamburg. They recorded a tape DIRTY RATS which sold very well and they recorded a full-time album called AND THEN WE DANCED, but unfortunately the album never had been released officially until now. Later BALLAD BOMBS didn't manage to continue after the moving of AJ to Frankfurt. In 2006 AJ - who was missing the band – re-mastered the tapes of AND THEN WE DANCED and currently he is forming BALLAD BOMBS again. The story continues. BALLAD BOMBS will start to record their second album GLAM! (Working title) end of 2006 in London and the whole 2007 in Frankfurt and other cities and locations. The Album shall be released in 2008. Meanwhile BRYAN SWANSEA has joined the band and AJ is looking for more talented and freaky new members to form a new stage band.
Line Up
Armin Johnert (vocals, guitar, synths)
Mark Walter (drums, background vocals)
Stephan Schönrock (bass, synths)
Website
http://www.myspace.com/balladbombs
Song Review
1. You and I (Together In Eternity) - 4:30
The opener of the album, it starts soft and forces up to a catchy danceable refrain.
2. All I Need - 4:40
High tempo from the very first, your legs will be infected by the catchy rhythm.
3. Life Is a Lousy Piece of Shit - 5:06
A melodic track, the drums and the vocals dominate the song.
4. Young Europeans - 4:54
It starts slowly, than the tempo goes up. The guitar comes to the fore.
5. Angry Young Man - 4:04
The nice melody line of the guitar perfects the rhythm which is given by the drums.
6. Call Me (Maybe the Last time...) - 3:44
This song remembers a little bit of MORRISSEY.
7. You're In My Mind - 4:14
The synthesizers dominate the song, perfected by the drums and bass guitar.
8. Be Near Me - 3:28
Another song dominated by guitars.
9. Take Me - 3:48
This song too is earmarked by the characteristic mixture of drums, synths and guitars.
10. Mr. Smeagot - 3:03
A nearly happy song with pushing guitar riffs.
11. Do It - 3:57
Minimalist sounds and rap, this song is a little bit outstanding by this.
12. (You Got A) Pretty Face - 3:54
It’s a nice pop song, easy to listen to. It could have been a single release in the 80s.
13. Mind the Gap - 3:10
This song is outstanding too, because it includes some voice-samples.
14. Change It All - 5:04
The typical sound is back, started by a bass line and followed by the drums, the guitar and the usual vocals.
15. Bonus track: Just You Death (Demo version) - 5.13
This bonus track is called as a demo-version but it isn't a rough version rather a full arranged track with synth sounds and melodic vocals.
Cover Artwork
Technical Information (Promo CD)
Total Playing Time: 62:48
Total Tracks: 15
Conclusion
The album remembers to the glory days of upcoming Gothic-Wave with bands like THE SISTERS OF MERCY, THE SMITHS or THE CURE etc. It is nice to listen to over and over again. The voice of the singer harmonizes very well with the dark music and your feet will be infected by the mostly danceable sounds. All lyrics are in English and written by ARMIN JOHNERT. My favorites are YOU AND I, ALL I NEED and PRETTY FACE.
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Total: 8.5
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