Covenant- Brave New World

Written by Matthew Johnson

Artist: Covenant
CD Title: Brave New World
Label: Metropolis Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 10-29-06

Covenant are back with the second single from their latest album, Skyshaper. Laced with pianos and warm techno rhythms, "Brave New World" is a more upbeat number than the album's first single, "Ritual Noise," and is presented here with several alternate mixes. The "Radio Version" is richer in sound, with the piano harmonies and lead singer Eskil Simonsson's vocals brought to the forefront, and is just a little reminiscent of early '90s Depeche Mode, while the "Club Version" is about as dance floor-friendly as you'd expect, with faster beats and a more minimal house-infused approach. Client shows up to provide a guest remix that takes things in a perkier synthpop direction and incorporates female backing harmonies, while exclusive track "The New Virus" rounds things out with a slow, weird ballad that combines a very mechanical aesthetic with some thick analog sounds and phased vocal effects. Unless "Brave New World" is your absolute favorite song on the new album, this single might not be required for your collection, but there are some great alternate mixes here for DJs, all suitable for club play but different enough from one another to offer something for nearly any dance floor.

Visit Covenant online at www.covenant.se.