4.4U [2013.02] is the forth of a series of unique compilations from the label,
Alfa Matrix. In these compilations the label presents four songs from new albums
from four of their bands. In this release they present the musical talents of
Diffuzion, Ayria, Technoir, and Kant Kino. The songs are very well chosen and
put in an order where they start slow and gradually build up.
The first song, Drifting, by Diffuzion gives a very soothing mixture of
Dreampop and Dark Wave. The melody is very calming and compliments the tender
vocals of Tatiana. The song very much has a feel of what you would get if you
combined some of the mellower songs by Assemblage 23 or VNV Nation with the
style of De/Vision. It is a hidden gem for any collection of soft electronic
music.
Missed The Mark (Interface Mix) is one song that truly shows the beauty
in the style that Ayria has in her music. Between the base beat and the overall
melody, they play very well with Jennifer's vocals. It is a song that doesn't
sound like a remix where an artist is trying to get the style of one song
into a new creation. It sounds like it was an original song which says a lot of
the mixing skills of Interface and how they understood the mood of the song and
adapted it into something new and appealing.
Technoir has always shown that they had a gift for electronic music in
presenting it in a fashion that was different than most of the music. They have
a knack for presenting music that has elements of EBM and Synthpop all rolled
into each of their songs. It is true that these genres are related, but few
bands have been able to mingle the two and add additional elements to the music
like Technoir can. Always is a song that shows their skills in a very
impressive fashion.
Kant Kino has always been one of the electronic bands that has had a bit of a
harder edge in their songs in one form or fashion. My Sweetest Crime
(Featuring Hanne Haugsand) is no different in that it gives the agressive
beat that is symbolic to the style that is Kant Kino. Hanne presents vocals that
are soft in their pitch, but like the melody she gifts a bit of a harder edge
where it is needed in the song. In many respects this song reminds me of
Twilight World (Assemblage 23 Remix) by Aiboforcen. Both have elements that
are very beautiful, but there is also an element of forboding in the underlying
tone.
Overall this is a really good compilation with some very good songs in it. The
only negative is that it makes most wish there were more tracks in it. That is
proof that it is a good compilation with the perfect amount of songs on it. This
is a compilation that anyone who loves electronic music with a mellower beat
should have in their collection.
Genre: EBM, Dark Wave, Synthpop, Electro-Dreampop
Originality: 9/10
Recommendation: 10/10
Clubs: 9/10
US Radio: 9/10
Germany Radio: 10/10
Russian Radio: 9/10