Customer Reviews

Industrial Complex

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Industrial Complex being the first Nitzer Ebb since 1995's release Big Hit and their 6th studio album. The sound is that of classic EBM and reminds the long time listener of albums past. The booklet contains all the lyrics and a very nice photograph of the band at the time of the release. The second cd contains remixes of the tracks and Alan Wilder the former member of Depeche Mode has remixed I am undone. Martin Gore of Depeche Mode provides backing vocals on the track "One You Say". Douglas McCarthy is an accomplished vocalist and this is particularly apparent on the track "Going Away". 4/5.

I'm surprised there are so few reviews of this excellent album. Nitzer Ebb were right up the pointy end of EBM (Electronic Body Music) in the mid to late 80's, with a string of dance chart hits in the US. Their last album, 1995's Big Hit was far from their best work, as the band seemed to be struggling to break new ground. So my expectations were not high for this new effort. I am very happy to report that my expectations have been shattered, this is as good as their very best work.

Industrial Complex takes the maturity of Ebbhead and Big Hit and applies it to their earlier, stomping dancefloor sound. Ebbhead is probably still my favourite Nitzer Ebb album but it is hard to find anything on it to play in a club. Industrial Complex, however, is chock-full of great dancefloor killers, from the opening Promises, probably one of their best songs ever, through Down On Your Knees (almost as good) and My Door Is Open to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which featured prominently in a recent episode of the TV show Castle. In between is a mix of slower songs, like the haunting I am Undone, and others that are equally strong, yet less ready for the dancefloor. It's all executed brilliantly, with a synth sound that is immediately recognisable and McCarthy's unmistakable voice.

Overall, Industrial Complex is a fine blend of the stompin' dancefloor style of their earlier albums and the best of their later work. It works really well, ebbing and flowing almost perfectly from start to finish. The only downside for me are the bonus tracks, particularly the remixes, which take away a little from the brilliance of the main work (or maybe they throw it into stark relief?). If you ever liked anything Nitzer Ebb did in the past, I am sure you will love this album.

Thunderous, pulsating, rhythmic flashes of sonic energy to pleasantly rivet and enrich your nervous system. Pioneers victoriously returning to the game with a stunning and thoroughly satisfying release!

A magical marriage between substantive industrial nostalgia and forward-thinking/ exciting breaking of pleasurable new ground. Foot stomping beats and fun-loving (sometimes macabre) lyrical twists and themes.

Gotta love the remixes by highly creative folks.

The uniquely dynamic and electrifying live incarnation of this cool stuff is a MUST-EXPERIENCE for electronic dance music lovers everywhere! Do not miss a beat.

Nitzer Ebb is, to me, one of those bands who work seems to stray from style to style, but continues to contain a string of commonality which ties all their releases together.

This latest offering seems to pick up where "Showtime" left off, even though there were other releases to follow. While time often impacts a singer's voice, McCarthy seems to have avoided any real changes and still sounds as great as he did from the very beginning. The music, polished and tight, is a joy to listen to and works very much with the overall style and feel of Nitzer Ebb.

While new it also feels 'old', if you will. No. Not old, but familiar. Playing it in the car while driving about it is very easy to imagine being in my mid-20's all over again. I think that's a good thing musically.

I wasn't entirely blown away by the music. I was a bit disappointed. Not sure what I expected.