What`s Their problem?

This is the question that presents itself to me in reference to a Blancmange Classic after repeated CD rotation. OK, as a "problem" I would not call this disc. At least, that synth-pop duo Blancmange are hardly financial problems have pushed for a comeback. Otherwise it would never be possible held Neuwerk Blanc Burn "in others, preferably poppigerem appeared garment. However, I would not take long to talk to the bush. This album is rather disappointing in many areas. Why? Simply because this self-proclaimed sweet precisely those ingredients are missing, who have identified the unique Blancmange sound in the 80s. Please do not misunderstand. Nobody asks retro wave pop or a conservative nostalgia trip but a little more wit, verve and passion would have if you please may be it. What has Blancmange his time honored? Unusual song structures, partly hysterical (Feel Me "), partly pathetic (Waves") vocals, sometimes sugary synthetic (I`ve Seen The Word "), sometimes daring instrumentation (Why Don`t They leave things alone? ") ... just to mention some highlighting features. And then there were of course the gorgeous spleenigen experiments with Indian sounds (Living On The Ceiling") or simple but sparkling pop gems (Lose Your Love "). What we find on Blanc Burn "it? A little, at least not enough. Some of these features are indeed cited, but only fragmentary. Thus, the disc starts example with a song that is not really a finished song, but a nice, trivial gimmick. The following Drive Me "then raises great hopes, because it radiates that energy and playfulness that Blancmange exuded in their best moments. Neil Arthur linked here vocally seemingly effortlessly to old days. At first listen, I was spontaneously so euphoric that I could hardly wait for the rest of the album. And then this: The guys put something extra and deliver with Ultraviolent ". I think that from most authentic and exciting piece of the album threatening soundscapes accompany Arthur in his journey through dark streets amid a scene of violence, drugs and prostitution ..." there`sa place on our street where girls on crack do tricks cheap ... '. Here everything is just right. Unfortunately, this level can not be maintained. With The Western "While following a decent mid-tempo piece with catchy quality. Me personally, this song but for that very reason not quite warm because the rehearsed with sitar melody riff so on Living On The Ceiling "reminds that it affects me chumming;. Eventually a tepid infusion of Blancmange greatest hits The successful Radio Therapy "is an esoteric number that conveys both a sentimental and soothing mood.
Up to this point, "everything Roger!", One would think. And in fact ... could Blancmange songs 2 to 6 packed on an EP, I was determined to set to work all and had grandly kicked with 5 stars to me. The crux is that after that 5 to connect additional songs that dabble at least about 20 minutes more or less boring then. No "cave homes", not at all. Rather immature curiosities with freaky item (Don`t Forget Your Teeth ") and oblique (and luckily intelligent) Lyrics. These songs were all intended to give rather half-baked B-sides or bonus intentioned pieces. Instead, however, they fill about half of this longplayer what the listener with all benevolence but represents a severe test. In the midst of this sluggish and sometimes bloodless numbers is me acutely aware of what is lacking this disc mainly. Where is Neil Arthur`s passionate and boundless vocal gone? Where the theatricality ?. and the sudden flood eruptions This bittersweet and sarcastic vocal style All of this is missing almost entirely Arthur limited to stories and always acts strangely distant and unaffected, avoiding almost any emotion - precisely this but would expect from Blancmange We are here, after all, not with the Pet Shop Boys!
What hangs, is the impression that the duo quietly something ambitious and ambitious could go to work. Of course, you have after 25 years Sendepause not equal the charts Olympus climb, but there remains the suspicion that Arthur and Luscombe are tackled the project a bit too relaxed. Be that as it is, my sympathy, the men can in any case continue to be safe. The overall moderate comeback, the former exploits not shake, and also can be found on Blanc Burn "at least two gems and the odd respectable number. Power all in all 3 stars.
Playing tips: 2, 3 and 5. FIG.