Client- Untitled Remix

ARTIST: Client
ALBUM: Untitled Remix
LABEL: Metropolis Records
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 5-26-08

Ostensibly a remix collection, Client's newest CD is by far more interesting for its inclusion of three surprise collaborations. Opening the album is "Suicide Sister," featuring a guest appearance from Nitzer Ebb's Douglas McCarthy. Rather than the staccato shouts of Nitzer Ebb's early and best-known material, McCarthy is in dramatic singer mode here, not so much belting as crooning, and it works fantastically with the track's real-sounding drums and Client's signature mix of slick synthesizers and delicate soprano vocals. There's also "Der Amboss," which manages to be both a cover and a collaboration, given that it features guest vocals by Jurgen Engler of Die Krupps, who originally recorded the song; this version stays true to the clanking but club-friendly EBM of the original, though again the soprano vocals on Client's side soften things up for the modern ear. Last but not least, a collaboration with Replica on "Sorry" is catchy and gorgeous synthpop in the modern vein, with a buzzy guitar line adding a touch of live feel to the analog bass and keyboards. As to the remixes, they're all competent, if mostly a bit unexceptional, tending toward a minimal house and techno feel as exemplified by the robotic Fuchs and Horn remix of "Drive" and the bass-heavy thump of UnterART's remix of "Lights Go Out." The two real standouts are Boosta's "Dobro Lovemix" of "Drive," featuring twanging resonator guitar loops, and the Cherrystone remix of "It's Not Over," which gives things more of a big beat feel, complete with crunchy electric guitars, that stands out mainly due to its contrast with the minimalism of the rest of the collection. Client fans will definitely want to pick this up for the collaborative tracks, and techno fans and DJs will no doubt appreciate the multitude of club-friendly mixes. More casual listeners, however, can probably get away with dancing to these tracks in the club without necessarily needing to own them on CD.

Check out Client's website at www.client-online.net.