Dekoy- Redux

Artist: Dekoy
CD Title: Redux- Heartwerk V2 LE
Label: Cemetery 47
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 10/11/04

The new release from Dekoy – technically a rerecording of their original demo – straddles the line between EBM and high-energy synthpop. Programmer D. Barnes’s hard-hitting rhythms and lead vocalist Baza’s darkly romantic voice blend together into something like a blindingly fast version of Wolfsheim. House and trance influences abound on the fastest pieces like “Submission” and “Free,” while the occasional slower songs give the nod to classic ‘80s synthpop, for better or for worse. The results are mixed; “Darkest Eve” calls to mind Depeche Mode’s greatest ballads, but “Shoot To Kill” is lightweight and artificially perky. The more dance-oriented pieces also reference dark pop influences, with “Your Heart” in particular evoking classic underground bands like the Clan of Xymox. Dekoy are at their best when the two elements work together, as on the standout song “Salvation,” which also features guest vocalist Kristy Venrick of the Azoic. Even without Venrick’s contributions, though, this song would be near perfection, with a great sing-along chorus soaring over spacey melodies and an irresistible four-on-the-floor bass line. Dekoy’s production isn’t without the occasional technical flaw – some of the vocal mixing is dubious, at best – but with this much raw club potential it’s easy to see why the original demo had enough momentum to fund this beautifully-packaged digipack version. Check out the band at www.dekoy.us