Die Perlen - Zehn

Title: Zehn
Artist: Die Perlen
Genre: Electroclash, Electro, Telektroponk
Release Date: 27th November 2009
Label: FireZone Records / Black Rain



Album Review

By releasing the album `Zehn´, the German band DIE PERLEN introduces a 10-year anniversary piece of work that was compiled after a fan vote. Therefore, the long-player contains totally new tracks as well as old stuff. The duo started playing music together in 2000. Up to now, they have delivered the EP `Gedankenzüge´ (2004) followed up by `Telektroponk!´ (2006) and `Szenenwechsel´ (2008). This year, the Nuremberg-based musicians also presented `Stadt EP´ and `Nur tote Männer sind schön´ (7“). Furthermore, they have already contributed several songs to many compilations.

The all in all 19 tracks radiate a special charm I firstly needed to get used to. This may depend on the fact that the laconic female vocals appear pretty monotonous and out of tune every now and then whilst the analogue keyboard sounds add a solid dose of retro-style. Comparisons to the New German Wave don’t seem absurd when you listen to the hectic and shrill `Farben´ or `Schalt ab´. The witty and at the same time simple lyrics are connected to experimental and nostalgic melodies resulting in headstrong compositions. Generally, it’s hard to pigeonhole the duo’s style as there’s a risk of trivialising it.

Thus, `Zehn´ sometimes reminded me of expressionist syntax combined with colourful sound gimmicks and dealing with big city life, stupid consumer behaviour or social change - sounds like a unique mix, doesn’t it? Definitely, `Zehn´ is an individualistic collection providing interesting and unusual songs you won’t listen to on the radio.


Tracklist
08. Geiz
09. Mach es laut!
10. Recherche
11. Farben
12. Großstadtangst
13. We 'hate' the 80's
14. Bahnsteig 19
15. Puls der Zeit
16. Kein Interesse
17. Ugly mirror
18. Who is to blame?
19. Ehrlich gesagt


Line-up

Ferdinand Ess
Katja Hah


Website

http://www.dieperlen.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/perlen


Cover-Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10


{jos_sb_discuss:19}