Synaptic Defect- Mechanical Oppression

Written by Matthew Johnson

Artist: Synaptic Defect
CD Title: Mechanical Oppression
Label: BLC Productions
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 11/6/04

Germany’s Synaptic Defect offers up twelve tracks of straightforward, unapologetic, harsh EBM. This is a no-nonsense assault of analog pulses, movie samples, and heavily mechanized vocals, with plenty of layered atmospherics to give things that apocalyptic dance floor feeling. “Terror From The Sky” is more disturbing than most tracks, opening with samples of a horrified woman being interviewed after escaping from the collapse of the World Trade Center, while “Running Amok” sounds weirdly cheerful despite its sampled death threats. “Gun Murder” makes up for unintelligible vocals with climactic keyboard effects, and just when things are starting to feel a bit repetitive on the electronic stomp-fest “Love Is Slavery,” church organs and choral effects kick in for an almost celestial effect. While snippets from the “Aliens” films on the instrumental track “Invasion” are a little tired, the other instrumental piece, “Scanner,” is gorgeous, layering deep synth textures over cold, pulsing breakbeats. “Wake Up,” remixed by Buried Dreams, also stands out with its mix of crashing rhythms and cinematic washes. Synaptic Defect may not really break new ground, but they’re masters of their craft. Aggressive EBM doesn’t get much better than this.

Visit BLC Productions at www.blcmusic.com for more information