Subkutan

De/Vision | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 16, 2007)
• Original Release Date: July 16, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dancing Ferret
• ASIN: B000E0LM8U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,823 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars De/Vision Reaches a New Level., April 21, 2006

By 

Wayneman (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Subkutan (Audio CD)

On the heels of '6 Feet Underground', a fairly dull album by their standards, De/Vision rebounded with a vengeance with the release of 'Subkutan'. Having previously heaped praised upon 1998's 'Monosex' as De/Vision's best, I am pleased to announce that 'Subkutan' now has that distinction.

All of the elements the band has been experimenting with since 1999's 'Void' (an album which has been unfairly criticized)have come together on this latest release. Some of the catchy pop-sound of their earlier work is present, but with a rough edge, which gives the sound a grittier, "dirtier" feel, which I personally dig.

Some professed fans can't seem to handle change, but it is natural for a band to change as it matures. For instance, could one imagine if Depeche Mode continued to crank out songs like "Just Can't Get Enough?" I would guarantee they wouldn't have created a masterpiece like 'Violator' 9 years later.

Having said that, I'll cease pontificating and get to the review: "Subtronic" is a kicker to start the album, with it's dance club/rock sound. Although lacking the traditional verse-chorus formula, and much in the way of lyrics in general, the track is well done. Many fans of the genre might not like to hear this, but it "rocks."

"The End" is a terrific dance track. Although it has taken some criticism for its lyrics, it's a cathartic song for anyone who has ever been felt jaded or been jilted.

Since purchasing 'Subkutan', I have listened mostly to "Star-Crossed Lovers". It intrigues me. One of the slower tracks, its hypnotic soundscapes and dirty rhythms, coupled with a building tension toward a killer finale, makes it irresistibly listenable. It is similar to "Sadness" on 'Two'.

Perhaps the most radio-friendly tracks on the album, "Addict" and "Obey Your Heart" are two excellent songs. "Addict" is a mid-tempo pop song, while "Obey Your Heart" is more club-friendly. In fact "Obey Your Heart" is quite infectious, while "Addict" is, well... forgive me, addictive. "Still Unknown" could be counted as radio-friendly, but is not quite as creative as the two aforementioned tracks. The verse is fairly monotone, but there is a good chorus.

"No Tomorrow" is a philosophical debate put to a slow beat, with beautiful lyrics and music.

"E-Shock" is a club track, which I like, but something is lacking, though I'm not sure what it is. Others have praised this song, however.

"My Own Worst Enemy" is a well-written confessional of mediocrity, and has really hit an emotional chord personally. The same might be said of "Not Made of Gold." Although not as good musically as the first seven tracks, they are quality songs that might have been singles on other albums.

"Summer Sun" is a laid-back tune which I have to be in the mood for, and "In Dir" is a rare German track which I might like more if I knew German.

Culminating with a nice remix of "Subtronic", 'Subkutan' displays a fine range of ability reminiscent of all the band's previous efforts. The only downside is, can De/Vision top this? Probably. After all, I didn't think they would top "Monosex" either.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent synth-pop, December 20, 2006

By 

Zen Station "http://www.rateyourmusic.com/~so... (The Graceful Swans of Never) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Subkutan (Audio CD)

I don't care what the older fans say in their complaints, a band who doesn't evolve just gets less interesting. Which is why "Subkutan" is such a great record, possibly my favorite from De/Vision. All 12 songs are great, or 13 if you include the remix of "Subtronic," a song that starts to get you movin'. There's some sort of industrial moments, like "Addict" which sounds like what Skinny Puppy may sound like if they added melody and listened to Depeche Mode. Some songs build to their climaxes, like "Star-Crossed Lovers." My other favorite moments are "E-Shock," which is musically fascinating, "Still Unkonwn," and "My Own Worst Enemy." Listen to it with an open mind; you'll get into it. They can't be a junior-Depeche Mode all the time, and they realize they're above a tribute band, which is why an album such as "Subkutan" was made. Not my absolute favorite of the year but probably in my top 10 for then.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets under the skin, February 8, 2006

By 

R O C K E T (The Twin Cities, MN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Subkutan (Audio CD)

I admit: this is a band that can do almost no wrong in my eyes. I love almost everything they do, and Subkutan is no exception. The sound doesn't stray too far from 6 Feet Underground, but it has a slightly more organic, grittier feel reminiscent of Void or Two.

There are a few surprises here, too. "Subtronic" and "E-Shock" are quasi-instrumental dancefloor killers. In "Subtronic" Steffen repeatedly sings "we gonna rock you right," and that they do. "E-Shock" is unlike anything they've done before. It's almost straight up trance - but done De/Vision style! The closing track "Summer Sun," on the other hand, is the closest thing to a chillout track they've ever done. Another thing to note is that many of the tracks ignore traditional song structure. You'll hear verse-verse-chorus-chorus, verse-refrain1-refrain2, etc. There were signs of this on 6FU ("Beside You"), but now it's much more prevalent.

My current favorite tracks are probably "Not Made of Gold," "Still Unknown" (this album's "Unputdownable"), and "Star-Crossed Lovers." Honestly, though, I love this album from beginning to end. My least favorite track is "In Dir," which is sung in German. The music is cool, but I like to sing along to music I love and my German is very limited.

Subkutan should definitely please fans of their newer stuff as well as fans of their Void-era sound. In a large and incredible discography, this is one of their best!