Re/Move- Uppercut

ARTIST: Re/Move

ALBUM: Uppercut

LABEL: Decadance Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

The promotional material for Re/Move's debut album describes the Spanish band's sound as "the best harsh new EBM," which is hardly accurate, but fans of techno and synthpop-inspired dark dance outfits like NamNamBulu and Neuroticfish will like this just fine. Things actually start pretty dark with title track "Uppercut," and intro instrumental comprised of cinematic string pads and lush electronic atmosphere, and one could almost imagine this bursting into something brutal, but "harsh" isn't the word for what comes next. "I'm Over Again" doesn't brutalize; it soars aloft over fuzzy bass synths and sampled sirens. "We Are The Message" keeps up the pace with progressive trance leads and a high BPM that demands attention on the dance floor, and it's not until the second half of the CD that things slow down a bit with "Understand," a melancholy ballad that features some stunning vocal production, with lilting female backing singers floating in from the distance. "Hot Skins" picks up the pace almost immediately, starting off with the ominous beat of marching boots before launching into a thumping EBM rhythm, and "A Perfect Place" and "Impressing Me" make excellent use of pianos and violins that add a touch of class without detracting from Re/Move's dance floor energy. This is EBM on the verge of perky, with just enough melancholy to keep things from verging entirely into synthpop territory. With progressive synths, sampled dialogue from the moon landing, and clean but emotive vocals, Re/Move ought to especially appeal to fans of VNV Nation's Futureperfect album.

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