Standeg- Rushing Pictures EP

ARTIST: Standeg

ALBUM: Rushing Pictures EP

LABEL: Artoffact Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 2-23-09

The new project by former Haujobb members Bjorn and Sven Junemann, Standeg craft the sort of cold, intellectual electronic music that will appeal to fans of their '90s work with Daniel Myer. A digital-only EP, their debut release even features a remixed version of "Homes and Gardens," the title track from Haujobb's first album. It's softer and cleaner than the original, less derivative of Skinny Puppy but still cold and futuristic, with soft synth pads and tightly pulsed electronic stones, keeping the spirit of the song alive while updating it for modern ears. The other tracks draw upon a similar aesthetic while moving in more experimental directions; "Restricted Dose," remixed here by Toronto's Vo1d, is dark and slick, with melodic glitch phrases emerging behind coldly whispered vocals, and title track "Rushing Pictures" is deep and warbling, full of subtly intricate electronic textures. "Retribution," remixed by Edge of Dawn, features symphonic phrases and a smattering of less purely electronic instrumentation, and the extended instrumental "Humanity" takes that even further, integrating hints of progressive electric guitar on a track that's something like Delerium covering Pink Floyd. There's not a lot holding any of these tracks together, but it works great as a sampler and is sure to generate a lot of enthusiasm for the Junemanns' forthcoming full-length debut.

Visit the Standeg website at www.standeg.de for more information and to download a free track.