First released the last year thanks to Infacted Records, Namnumbulu's first album DISTANCES has been released for the States by Nilaihah Records which added to this new version a track ("Now or never - Dopamin mix") and the video of "Memories". Coming from Switzerland, Namnambulu is a duo formed by Vasi Vallis and Henrik Iversen. The band's sound has already been paragoned to bands like VNV Nation, Assemblage 23 or Camouflage (I'd add also the Apoptygma Berzerk of the "Welcome To Earth" period). The tracks generally are based on melody (thanks to Henrik's deep vocals) and on rhythm (only the closing "Apart" is a ballad a la Depeche Mode). The web formed by layers of sequencered synthetic sounds duet with the melody forming a good mixture of danceable future pop. There isn't a best track as the twelve tracks equally have a good dose of melody and rhythm. At the moment the sound of the band's hasn't reached its top, talking about personality but DISTANCES is a good first album which will be able to make the band gain a certain following.

Nerve Exhibit or N[EX] is a one man band whose debut MCD "The Horror of Amusement" comes with an appropriate title. Earlier works by him include appearances on compilation CDs such as "Strange as Angels: a Tribute to the Cure" (one of the influences you might recognize) and the TheSmokingSection.net series New National Anthem and Revolution vol.1.He claims early Skinny Puppy and New Order as his influences, but his approach is definitely different. Johnny NeRo mixes dark atmospheres of electronic sounds and drum machines with distorted vocals and pretty bad attempts at singing hooks. He seems to be stuck in the eighties with this, even though there are appreciable intentions and ideas leading toward a more modern sound, which isn't fully achieved yet. I never like it when I can't go higher than half the stars we've got available, but today's standards for recording quality and quality of music are so high (of course that is not entirely true and might start a whole different debate) that this just won't cut it and definitely doesn't nearly match any competition. Less is more, that's true, but as minimalistic as you want to go, in 2004 you just can't make a song with a kick+snare pattern, one arpeggiator and distant distorted vocals, sorry, that just doesn't do it for me anymore. But of course there is always a chance that somebody out there is looking for just that, a simple, minimal, '80es synth-ebm product. In my humble opinion, Johnny has to get down to business and keep the music pumping, 'cause that's the only way to improve his skills. Of course this is nothing but a MCD debut, so I'm not trying to be too hard or a jerk; besides whoever, like Johnny, self-releases their CDs always gets my respect anyway. I don't know if I should tell you to save the money for something better or to send him your loot to support his music and his good intentions, so I suggest you just check out his website (that by the way is REALLY a nice website, very very well done and stylish!) and listen to some of the tunes to make up your mind.

Blind Faith and Envy's debut "the Charming Factor" reveals an artistic maturity and a professional approach that are rare to find in pop-electronica newcomers. The female-fronted duo's music is made of well programmed beats and sequences, carefully molded and layered sounds, catchy vocals and hook-friendly songs fueled by strong attitude. Daniel Guenther's impressive production, songwriting and engineering skills are gracefully complemented by Charlene April's smooth and candid vocals and well thought out lyrics. Their influences are probably as comprehensive and eclectic as today's open-minded listeners' and the both of them even have the looks, which means they'd probably be ready for something bigger at this very moment in time.The shadow of the electronic music scene is backing them up. In this album you'll find remixes by Blank, Null Device, Neuroactive and a cover of 1981's "Shout" by Depoche Mode.Potential hit singles would probably be the opening track "Golden Glass" and maybe a few tunes could do very well in and around the international dancefloor scene too. Basically it is a well-made and sufficiently multifaceted album, capable of satisfying the dancing, the chilling, the romantic, the relaxing and even, why not, the easy listening fan.Very well done indeed.

David Harrow (a.k.a. Technova/James Hardway) worked with everybody who's somebody in the electronic industry, including among others Psychic TV, The Orb, Atari Teenage Riot, On-U Sound System, Jah Wobble's Invaders of the Heart, Anna Clark, Depoche Mode, Andrew Waterhall, Sabres of Paradise, Peter Hope, Magnetic etc.After his 2002 underground synth-club scene smasher "Dirty Secrets", David is back with "Electrosexual", a provocative slo-mo leftfield electroclash record featuring 11 tracks of minimal '80es-Casio-keyboard-style techno pop with Kraftwerk influences (and a cover of Joy Division's "Atmosphere") as well as the oral ministrations of Ghetto Priest (one one track) and of Vaginal Davis (on five tracks), who's this six foot tall transvestite from the LA club scene. The italo-UK label Hydrogen Dukebox picked up this sexy mesh of trend-setting synth-electro club music just in time for people to realize the unearthy simplicity and outspoken sexuality glamour of potential hits such as "I Could Have Sex", "My Pussy Is a Cactus" etc... Now get down and dirty.

Tristraum is a band formed by two guys (Randall Erkelens and Pierre Norman) deeply involved into the nightclub scene and really active into the remixing activity and by Krystina Eller on vocals. The CD I received is their first effort and present three original tracks ("Shiver", the instrumental "Brilliant" and the melancholic "I'm Under No One") plus nine remixes of the main track. The sound of the band find its roots into the alternative / synthpop / industrial music. The tracks are danceable, bleepy with dreamy almost whispered female vocal parts (the ones I don't appreciate as they tend to make the songs sound all the same). The remixes reflect the characteristics of the remixers and for this reason we can find e.b.m. versions of the track thanks to Assemblage 23 and Lime'n Dale, modern synthpop versions remixed by Echo Image, Empire State Human and Equatronic, almost tehcno tunes produced by Infam, Invisible Asps, Saxxonpike. I think this release could be appreciated by remixes addicted who also love female goth vocals and industrial pop tunes.