Rotersand- I Cry EP

ARTIST: Rotersand

ALBUM: I Cry EP

LABEL: Metropolis Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 1-15-09

For a band best known for combining the hard-hitting but melodic EBM of Covenant with the progressive atmospherics of Pink Floyd, Rotersand's new EP certainly starts out heavy enough. Title track "I Cry," reworked specifically for this release, gallops out of the gate with a pulsing kick that all but overshadows the echoing piano loops, lush synth-strings, and emotive vocal work. "Call Me Stupid" has a similar start, the drum sequences rough and raw, but melancholy synthesizer harmonies gradually soften things up in time for the vocal hooks to kick in. On a stripped-down version of "I Am With You," the guys finally slow things down a little; it's an actual ballad, with synth strings adding a contemporary grace to vintage electronic sounds that recall early Depeche Mode. Evendorff's remix of "I Cry" is actually more melodic than the original, the focus on harmonic vocal layering instead of dance beats, while a club version of "Rushing" adds Rotersand's noted Pink Floyd sensibility to a progressive trance foundation for a track that's smooth but intense. "Mission" features guest vocals from Deviant UK's Jeff Smith, and it's one of the more distinctive tracks here; Smith's voice is higher and more nasal than Rotersand's own lead vocalist Rasc, and paired with raw electronic loops it makes for a more gritty vibe than one usually expects from the band. Finishing things up are two more techno-flavored mixes; Autoaggression's remix of "Shelter" is minimalist techno, all muffled clicks and muted pads, while Krilf Oderberg's mix of "Inner World" is dark moody house, complete with sampled hand-claps. With its wealth of remixes and alternate club versions, this EP is definitely geared toward DJs, but there's more than enough interesting material here for casual listening as well. Rotersand are one of the most interesting and well-rounded of the current crop of melodic EBM acts, and this release is no exception.

Check out www.rotersand.net for more information.