Official debut album for this German/Swiss Electro-Goth quartet, which is self-produced, self-released and also self–funded. This fact I would like to point out in advance, I’ve seldom before received an own produced debut album, which features such an enormous professionalism into the press sheet, a printed and glossy info sheet with clear introduction of the band, its members, the music style and the audience they would like to reach with it. A strong effort which sets the existence of some labels in question. You wanna hear facts? Well, 1000 pressed copies is along the line, but DJ and club support through Hardbeat Propaganda is mostly only possible with the help of a solvent label, a full-color glossy booklet featuring lyrics and band photos is also not the cheapest thing on earth, furthermore there are some well-known scene acts doing some remix works for this newcomer, from which – I guess – only a half got done thanks to a good friendship. Thumbs up for the management – in person of band member Jan Bertram - professional work should pay off somehow. But what counts is the music – and so the matter of subject, on which I’ve got some things to nag at. It is obviously that the current scene lacks of new influences and ideas. Besides that still euphoric celebrated Hellektro-virus I’ve got the feeling that the success-promising formula to combine Synth-/Future-/Electro-Pop with a deep sea of Goth-like sadness and an 80-ties Pop/Wave-inspired portion of Romantic spreads out some new flowers. You know it, the BLUTENGEL syndrome – not very new and a unique style or what can be called an innovation, but at times with some remarkable bitter-sweet results. If LOST AREA like it or not – their intention to combine "Electro with Emotion" somehow throws this band stylistically into this bucket. The music itself plays along the expected lines, pseudo-aggressive or distorted sounds are left out to make sure a decent Electro-Pop imaginary. The problem hides moreover in the provided male/female vocals. While I’m quite impressed by the performance Daniela Dietz (ex-ILLUMINATE and so experienced...) is able to offer, ranging between smooth and emotional up to devotional and dramatic, I have some doubts on the quality of Jan Moser’s voice. A bit too theatrically and too obviously the try to hide some weaknesses, his voice often seems to fight instead of being a unit to his female partner. Compositionally good pieces like "Vengeance Of Nature" so go down the drain, I’m rather impressed by "Stolen Child" featuring Daniela’s solo voice. This CD features 7 original recordings and 8 remix works – as I’ve said including some big names like BLUTENGEL, CEPHALGY, ACCESSORY or UNHEILIG, but also some underrated acts like the Accession-Records-recording act SPEKTRALIZED and some up and coming talents like RE:\LEGION or EUROCIDE. All remix works depend on previously recorded tracks of the band, I guess taken out of their limited 2K5 release "Gabriel". So I don’t know the original compositions, but some good tunes I’ve discovered here. The CEPHALGY remix of "Penhesilea" features an addictive bass line, also both works of UNHEILIG and A FLOWER FOR TUESDAY on the track "Deconstruction" are worth to listen to. Strange-wise – or should I say obviously – these tracks offer again the sophisticated vocal performance of Daniela Dietz, "Deconstruction" alone features diversity thanks to the use of French lyrics. Well – it has to be proven, if LOST AREA are the next big thing for this genre – too many try so with a similar quality. But good promotional efforts and the continuation and belief in what they are doing here should pay off. I wish them the best.