Beat Noir Deluxe – Crash (Album – Echozone)
Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, dark-pop.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Beat Noir Deluxe is a project based in South Tyrol (Italy) and set up in 2019 by Sascha G. The debut album “Crash” is inspired by a nearly fatal traffic accident that happened a few years before. Sascha G. has been joined by three female guest singers while there also is a guest guitarist playing on a few tracks.
Content: Defining “Crash” isn’t an easy thing, but the main source of inspiration is clearly driven by electro-pop music. Most of the songs are carried by good-old synth melody lines. There’s a somewhat retro-like touch, which for a few songs reminds me to the most melancholic songs of OMD. The songs are switching in between sweet- and melancholic/dark cuts. There also is the groovier orientated “That Circle” and the dreamy-like “Velvet Morning”. Most of the vocals have been sung by Sascha G., but as I already mentioned there are several female guest singers.
+ + + : I first of all have to say a word about the great artwork of the CD format, which is a DVD-digipak format. Sound-wise Beat Noir Deluxe isn’t really comparable to other bands and that’s something I particularly appreciate. There clearly is a will to compose a very own pop style, which sounds clearly electro-like and empowered by guitar playing on a few songs. The female (backing) vocals are adding a heavenly- and sometimes pretty sensual touch. “That Circle” featuring Doris Warasin is one of the most noticeable tracks and also a potential ‘hit’. I also have to mention “Allein”, which is sung in English and featuring an artistic cello-like sound treatment.
– – – : I think one of the single elements that could be improved is the production of the male vocals. I’m missing some conviction and especially passion here. Some of the sweeter cuts aren’t my favorite ones (cf. “Love Fading”, “Hard To Say”).
Conclusion: This debut album reveals some interesting ideas and a few songs, which are worthy of examination. Let’s keep an eye on this band!
Best songs: “That Circle”, “Allein”, “Velvet Morning”, “Please Help Me”, “New City”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist: www.beatnoirdeluxe.com / www.facebook.com/beatnoirdeluxe
Label: www.echozone.de / www.facebook.com/EchozoneMusic
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