Thor Modem – Ready To Comply (Album – Syrafabriken)
Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Thor Modem is a Swedish solo-project set up by Mats Ericsson (who has been also involved quite a time ago now with Poetica Grotesque and Blipp!). “Ready To Comply” is the debut album of Thor Modem featuring eight songs.
Content: The influences running through this work are obviously getting us back to the magic of Kraftwerk; robotic Electro-Pop music accentuated by computer-like vocals. Guest artists Anders Nygårds (the singer of Blipp!) and Arvid Tuba (with whom Thor Modem also released common works as Tuba/Modfem) have been featured at the song “Plastique”.
+ + + : The robotic Electro-Pop style is reminding multiple Swedish projects but remains a fascinating experience. The opening song “Just A Machined” and “Speed Of Light” featuring a cool melody line both are the most noticeable cuts revealing the potential of this artist. The retro-sound still has this refreshing sensation which also makes the difference with classical Electro-Pop bands. The artwork of the album is totally matching with the sound.
– – – : Most of the songs are however missing this catchy, melodic, element. So I should say there’re great ideas running through the album but I’m missing this little, essential, extra to speak about a major success.
Conclusion: This debut album gave me mixed feelings; there clearly is a potential hiding behind this project but it doesn’t come through at most of the songs. Let’s however keep an eye on Thor Modem.
Best songs: “Just A Machine”, “Speed Of Light”, “Not Human”.
Rate: 6½.
Artist: www.facebook.com/thor.modem
Label: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621696110
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