Informatik - Arena

Title: Arena
Artist: Informatik
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Release Date: 18th September 2009
Label: Dependent / Metropolis



Album Review

Since its founding in 1993, the American duo INFORMATIK has released six long-players. After recording five rather electronic albums, the previous release `Beyond´ took a new direction by including rock beats. Therefore, the formation created the expression “electronic arena rock” referring to both sides of its style. According to INFORMATIK’s announcements, the new album `Arena´ stylistically picks up on `Beyond´. After listening to it, I think that there are some audible Rock influences, but the songs’ electronic soundscapes are still the most striking features.

In my opinion, the opener `Come Together´ is the best-balanced piece regarding a fusion of Rock and Synth Pop, as it is a forceful anthem reminding of 80s dance floor classics and penetrating directly to the legs. Obviously, the long-player lives on the project’s affinity to rousing melodies. A good example would be the bittersweet `My true Love´ that features a melancholic atmosphere and some synth gimmicks as well as distinctive vocals and a simple melody resulting in a solemn mid-tempo track you will be able to sing along instantly.

Furthermore, you will find the mentioned catchiness in every song. Thus, the album might also address people who usually prefer classical Synth Pop. For example, the danceable `Falling´ is a radio-ready and melodic track you could have found on previous DE/VISION albums. The dark and Dark Wave-like vocals set a nice accent and make it appear not too cheesy. The threatening `Predator´ stands out due to a certain EBM character, whispering vocals and an icy atmosphere. The brilliantly arranged chorus of `The World Belongs to Us´ represents the attribute of “electronic arena rock” again. All in all, I’m taken with the new production. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that `Arena´ is rather Pop than Rock - a fact that doesn’t impair quality, but could raise false expectations.


Tracklist

01. Come Together
02. A Matter of Time (Stadium Mix)
03. Temporary (The Synthetic Dream Foundation Mix)
04. The World Belongs To Us (Live At Budokan Mix)
05. It Was Like I Was Dreaming
06. Entrophy (More Cowbell Mix)
07. Predator
08. My True Love (Pulse State Mix)
09. Night And Day (Arena Mix)
10. Don’t Be Afraid (Very Mix by Claire Voyant)
11. Falling
12. The End


Line-up

Da5id Din
Tyler Newman


Website

http://www.myspace.com/informatik / http://www.dependent.de/


Cover-Picture




Rating

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


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