| Reviewed
by: Darklight
While De/Vision has been making music since the early
90s, and have seven full-length recordings released, my first introduction
to their music has just been recently with the domestic release of their
remix CD entitled Remixed. Since I really
like Remixed, I decided to pick up this latest
De/Vision recording entitled Devolution.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite the exciting release that I was hoping
for.
I’m not a big fan of typical traditional melodic synth-pop music. And
that’s exactly what the music on this Devolution CD is. It’s laid-back,
relaxed and soothing romantic synth-pop music for the masses. I personally
like a little darkness and EBM elements in the synth-pop that I listen
to. But this music is light, bright and positive with an overall tame
feel.
While this recording isn’t really my thing, I must admit that it’s definitely
good for what it is. It’s nicely produced and polished with well developed
songs throughout. Well textured electronic programming and beats overlay
uplifting cheerful melodies as clear, slightly accented, male vocals
sing along perfectly. All the proper ingredients are definitely included
here to please fans of synth-pop.
My main complaint is that the band doesn‘t offer enough variety here.
All of the songs play at a slow to mid-tempo pace. This makes the album
drag along a little too slowly all the way through. It would have been
nice if the band had included some energetic dance tracks to break up
the monotony a bit. While there are a couple of occasions when things
pick up the pace a little bit, it’s still not fast enough for club play.
Fans of newer music released by Covenant,
Depeche Mode and Wolfsheim
will especially enjoy this recording. It’s soft, relaxing, laid-back,
soothing synth-pop music that is easy to listen to. But if you like
a little more kick to your synth-pop, you might want to pass on this.
There’s nothing offered here that could be considered dance music.
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| Reviewed
by: Darklight
De/Vision is a German synth-pop band that have been
around for many years, but have never had their albums released domestically
until now. Since I’m not the biggest fan of synth-pop music, I never
imported their CDs. But two things prompted me to get this recording:
1) Metropolis Records released it domestically and 2) It’s a ’best of’
compilation of remixed songs that De/Vision fans picked.
The main problem that I usually have with synth-pop music is that it’s
a bit too tame and mellow for my tastes. However, when it’s remixed
it’s usually given an energetic kick that makes it more appealing to
me. And while I haven’t heard the original versions of any of these
tracks before, I have to assume that they’re more energetic now as each
and every one of them could work out on the dance floor.
Basically, the songs offered here are crisp, clean and smooth created
with fast paced electronic rhythms and beats over beautiful melodies.
Guitars make an appearance from time to time as well which is a nice
touch giving the songs a little more oomph. Every song does include
deep and clear accented male vocals that sing with passion.
While the primary sound of the songs here is indeed synth-pop, other
elements make their way into the mix as well including techno, trance,
house, dub and drum ‘n’ bass giving the songs a somewhat EBM/future
pop sound that is more exciting than just standard synth-pop.
Every song here is good offering nice diversity and variety allowing
them all to stand out as hits. This is, after all, a collection of fan
favorites. While every song is rather energetic, they’re not just flat
out high BPM dance tracks. They offer a lot of mood and feeling as well
giving them a deeper more emotional side. But I would dare anyone to
sit still while any of them played in clubs.
This CD will most likely appeal to those who enjoy both synth-pop and
future pop music similar to Beborn
Beton, Colony 5,
Covenant, Depeche
Mode, Mesh, Neuroactive,
Neuroticfish, Silent
Promises and Wolfsheim.
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