[:SITD:]- Rot

Artist: [:SITD:]

CD Title: “ROT”

Label: Metropolis Records

Reviewer: Robert Eaton

Date: 10/23/09

From out of Germany, SITD’s “Rot” is their follow-up to 2007’s “Bestie:Mensch.” The album is full of floor-pounding beats with hauntingly melodic arrangements. SITD’s latest release, “Rot” will continue to allow the band to stake its claim among international EBM and electro acts. The albums’ 11 tracks feature less down-tempo tracks than its predecessor. The result is a more balanced album, with a bit of something for every EBM fan. The song “Catharsis” starts the album off in the right direction: it’s a great dance track. While there’s nothing in the song that hasn’t been heard before from SITD, it’s great for what it does. Then, “Rot” (German for “red”, not English for decomposition) continues in a very similar vein. Initially, it’s pretty minimalist in its sequencing, but the track builds nicely to a climax. As the song works its way through its various contortions, it’s an intensely enjoyable song: sometimes even airy and melodic. Floor stomper tracks like “Rot” and the driving “Zodiac” are likely to become staples on dance floors. Not that the album’s several slow, atmospheric tracks are uninteresting, but the strengths of this album seems to be in the first category. Tracks like the “Pride” also show SITD’s impressive range; it’s a very ambitious composition. Many of the album’s tracks showcase a sophisticated melodic sensibility which belies the straight-forward EBM of the album’s opening tracks.  SITD’s reputation is pretty well established, both in the US and abroad. “Rot” is another worthy addition to their catalogue. Even the songs that seem to lose their way offer something to the listener. This will probably be one of those albums that seem better and better after many listens. For the devoted fan of SITD, well, you have a good idea of what you’re getting.  

 Check out the band: https://www.myspace.com/XSITDX