Title: Popgefahr
Artist: De/Vision
Genre: Electro Pop
Release Date: 19th March 2010
Label: Popgefahr Records
Album Review
Times have inarguably changed since we've seen the release of the last DE/VISION album 'Noob' back in August of 2007. It was the duo's first equal collaborative effort with their long-time producers Schumann & Bach and therefore' Noob' was the best title to choose. At the beginning of a new decade, Steffen and Thomas have made a step forward towards independence by founding their own label Popgefahr Records, ought to grant them even more artistic freedom and control. So it's just a little surprise the album's been given the catchy title 'Popgefahr'.
The new album's being kicked off by a little tune called 'mAndroids'. The title quite aptly sums up how large parts of today's mass consumption society are acting, how they're controlled and manipulated actually "Everything we never needed soon we wish to buy." Looking at the musical side, it's getting obvious DE/VISION go back to their purely electronic roots which is going to make a lot of people very happy. The tapping rhythm with all the bleeps and sound gimmicks makes sure people get into a dancing mood right from the start. A live candidate for the forthcoming tour? Totally! 'Rage' has gained some recognition by now and was chosen to be the first single of the new album. The right choice that begins with creaking, gritty synth sound, building up to a minimalist oscillating beat, throbbing onwards while distorted melodies and sounds deliver the backdrop for Steffen's unmistakable vocals.
'What's love All About' gets the full attention off all ballad lovers. The immersive melodies conjure melancholic showers and highlight the emotional content performed in the lyrics. 'Time To Be Alive' is the second track released on the single and even though I like 'Rage', I simply LOVE that one. It starts with a sound, aching to an old steam engine gearing up which then fades into a straight, pumping club beat only seconds before the vocals kick in. What's really making this track a diamond is the chorus, seeing the vocals softly soaring over a groundwork of reversed synth builds that fuse melancholy and hope. I think I can never tire of listening to that one. Some nasty, jamming noises rip through the cohesive dreamy atmospheres of 'Plastic Heart' in the beginning, but the latter mentioned soon gain the upper hand and make the others disappear, so that nothing disturbs the cerebral experience this track is ought to take you on while your legs will start moving automatically.
The last song of the new album takes us 'Until The End Of Time' with an insistently dark build and menacing undertones for a musical promise the protagonist in the lyrics is going to keep flat-out "This time I will make it last." The determination, resonating within the words leaves no doubt he'll go through with that decision. I've said it above already. DE/VISION go purely electronic again, utilizing a fresh kind of retro sound. The last album did that as well, but not with a perfection similar to this. I for one am satisfied with 'Popgefahr', an album full of potential singles.
Tracklist
01. mAndroids - 3:50
02. Rage (Album Version) - 4:01
03. What's Love All About - 5:42
04. Time To Be Alive (Album Version) - 4:59
05. Plastic Heart - 4:27
06. Be A Light To Yourself - 4:27
07. Ready To Die - 4:45
08. Flash Of Life - 4:26
09. Twisted Story - 4:32
10. Until The End Of Time - 6:32
Line-Up
Steffen Keth
Thomas Adam
Website
http://www.devision-music.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/devisionmusic
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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