REVIEWS

Dekad
Sin_Lab

BOREDOMproduct

Posted: Friday, March 31, 2006
By: Matthew Johnson
Assistant Editor

Dekad are a refreshing break from generic electronic pop acts. Although Sin_Lab is a conventional album in that it is driven by catchy choruses, keyboards and programmed drums, it thankfully skips over the obvious Depeche Mode references that have become such a cliché in the genre, instead drawing influences from such diverse sources as early EBM and British gothic rock. Because programmer J.B. focuses more on pounding rhythms and tense analog bass lines than bouncy synth melodies, many of these tracks could be mistaken for old Front 242 songs, at least until lead singer Seb’s harmonic vocal work makes its appearance, while guitarist Jerome’s presence in the band gives Dekad a more unique and organic sound than you’d expect from most synthpop. “Emergency,” for example, utilizes darkly bouncing broken chords in the vein of early Sisters of Mercy, while the excellent “Naked” features distorted power chords for a more edgy feel. While this disc is not without its occasional moments of fluff, songs like “Electro Freak” make up for their lack of depth with an irrepressible sense of enthusiasm; silly though it seems, once you’ve heard it it’s impossible to stop singing along. Slower mood pieces add some nice contrast, with the synthesized violins and dramatic vocals of “Venus” holding particular appeal to fans of less perky material. One of the more diverse offerings from the current scene, Dekad should appeal especially to fans of darker-minded electronic acts in the vein of Clan of Xymox.