Title: A different life
Band: Diorama
Genre: Electronic/Dark Wave
Release date: 23rd March
Label: Accession Records
Introduction
DIORAMA is a German Electronic/Dark Wave Band and was founded by Torben Wendt between 1994 and 1996.The best way to describe the Music of DIORAMA is the following: DIORAMA are creating an own world. A world to fall into. A world to dream, a world to fear. A world to feel, a world to think. For everyone, this world includes other aspects but there is this one feeling that everyone has, who is listening to the songs of DIORAMA - the feeling to be protected. 2007 saw the release of their new album ‘A different life’ which promises to be another milestone in the band’s history.
Members
Torben Wendt - words and music, vocals, keys, percussion
Felix Marc - co-production, keys, vocals
Sash Fiddler - guitars
Marquess - drums
Website
http://www.diorama-music.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dioramamusic
Song Review
01. Screenface - 5:02
“A dissonant monster” like someone once said and I totally agree with that description. It's a really unusual opener for an album. The beginning of this song fools the listener to be on confided territory. But then it goes into a different direction. Distorted vocals and drums as well as noises make this song really hard to get into it. It really needs some time to grow on you.
02. Definition Power - 4:42
This Song immediately starts with a danceable beat. It’s much more accessible than the previous one. This time Torben uses clean vocals for the song. Percussions are also used and add an organic feeling to this Song. When the chorus starts, some spherical synths join up and give this song a melancholic touch.
03. Why - 6:07
Similar to ‘Definition Power’ this is a more danceable track. Cold electronic synths and drums are blend with more warm and melodic elements like Torben’s great vocals and the guitars played in the chorus. All these things together make this song one of my favourites on the album though I usually like the more balladry songs.
04. Burning out - 5:58
‘Burning out’ begins with a spherical intro with airy synths and piano lines. The drums are really dominating the song as soon as they start, as well as this creaking sound that is present through the whole song while the dark melody is more mixed in the background. The vocals in the chorus are changed from quiet to powerful. They've caused me goose bumps when I listened to that song for the first time.
05. Synthesize me - 4:19
Most of you are already familiar with that song because it’s already been released in February on the ‘Synthesize me’ single. This version is just slightly different than the single version.
06. Protected World - 4:37
The album continues with another more rhythm orientated song. It starts with a simple synth line and is soon joined by drums, some noises and Torben’s great vocals. During the verses deep strings are used to create a dark atmosphere. The drum effects in this song give an almost baroque feeling to it.
07. 10.000 Meter Waves - 6:38
The first of the slower songs of the album, a song that builds up layer by layer and blends together with Torben’s vocals and piano lines. You can almost hear the big waves coming. Brilliant work! The vocal style in this song is different from many of the other songs on the album as it is more restrained and calm. It fits perfectly to this song in my opinion.
08. Sands - 5:44
A song that really confused me when I listened to it for the first time. It starts very minimal with just a few drums and Torben’s whispering voice that tells us “Don't believe the people”. But soon brilliant piano lines and airy synths join in creating a great atmosphere together with Torben’s warm and mellow vocals. Then there's a really hard break and the direction of this song changes completely. Harsh sounding drums, distorted vocals and noises are dominating this song. A great track but also this one needs time to grow.
09. Exit the Grey - 05:19
This is, in fact, the most accessible song on the album. It has a danceable beat, great vocals and melodies and a catchy chorus. This is a song where you can easily notice Felix’ influence. Either you like it or not. I can say I really like it.
10. Kein Mord - 5:06
The only song on the album with German lyrics. It's hard to describe what makes this song so special. Maybe it is the combination of the cool bass line, the vocals and the absolutely breathtaking chorus. But hear for yourself.
11. No Tears - 6:10
‘No Tears’ is one of these highly emotional songs where you can hardly keep your tears back. The piano lines and vocals used in the chorus are absolutely unbelievable and create a feeling of sadness. A brilliant song and one of my favourites on the album
12. Blessed - 5:18
A slow and balladry song with lovely melodies and piano lines. This song and especially the lyrics which are full of emotion led me to the thought that it was written for a very special person.
13. Colder - 5:41
Again a lower balladry song with mellow vocals and floating melodies that carry you far away into another world. In the middle of the song, the instrumentation of the drums is changing from electronic to real drumming which adds an organic feeling to it and fits perfectly. I might be wrong but there’s also this glimpse of hope shining through in this song. After a short gap of two minutes there’s also a hidden track included on the album which is also the title track of the album.
Technical Information
Total Songs: 13
Total playing time: 77:38
Extras: Hidden Track
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 10
Sound: 10
Extra: 10
Total: 10
Conclusion
A really great album with many surprises. DIORAMA delivers us again a real masterpiece of music. This Album includes something for everyone. The span goes from more danceable and up-tempo to slow-ish and balladry songs. DIORAMA have also experimented with new things such like the really harsh sounds and noises in ‘Screenface’ and ‘Sands’. It is definitely not an album that is easy to swallow. It demands the full concentration of the listener. It needs time to unfold its real beauty so don't give up too early. You would miss something.
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