Foreword
At first: Sorry for my english. Proof reading is in process. I will update this post as soon as possible.I speak and write not often the English language, so sometimes I use dictionaries or Google translator to find the right words. If you are at some points not sure what I want to say exactly, feel free to ask me :-)
Here it is: my personal Top35 of electronic albums 2013. Before you start to shake your heads about my ratings, I have to explain my valuation rules. There are 5 categories I have rated with a very subjective scoring system:
Scoring system
Vocals: Do I like the voice? Is the voice and the singing something special?
1=cannot sing and boring voice; 10=brilliant singer and a voice like an angel
Sounds: For me, an electric album must have an electronic sound concept.
1=Guitars, real drums and real bass; 10=Full electronic range with innovative sounds
Melodic-Level: I love melodies. For me, a melody has not to be an earwig after listening once, but it has to be realized and it has to be an important part of the song.
1=No melodies, only noises; 10=Catchy tunes in all tracks and a lot of atmosphere
Production: In my mind, a good production has deep basses, clear vocals and good stereo effects. And I don't like low volume productions
1=Low level, low voice no basses; 10=High volume, deep basses, clear vocals
Track-Rating: This was the most difficult part of all. I rated all tracks in iTunes with 1 to 5 stars. To be more flexible, I calculated the track-rating as followed: The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks multiplied by 2. This allows to have a maximum of 10 points for each rating-category. Lyrics are included in the track-ratings.
Top 35
1=Guitars, real drums and real bass; 10=Full electronic range with innovative sounds
1=No melodies, only noises; 10=Catchy tunes in all tracks and a lot of atmosphere
1=Low level, low voice no basses; 10=High volume, deep basses, clear vocals
Top 35
35: Zeromancer - Bye-bye Borderline
Total scoring: 22,4 out of 50
Vocals: 4 - Rockstar
Sounds: 3 - Full range electronic with a lot of guitars and real drums
Melodic-Level: 4 - There are some. Anywhere...
Production: 7 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 3,4
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Bye-bye borderline, The tortured artist
Reminiscent of: IamX, Alien Sex Fiend, Cassandra Complex
Summary: Too much distorted guitars and rock attitudes to be electropop...
34: The Knife - Shaking the Habitual
Total scoring: 24,7 out of 50
Vocals: 6 - Strange unique artistic voice
Sounds: 7 - Strange full electronic range
Melodic-Level: 1 - Melodies are hard to find.
Production: 7 - Good headphone listening at high volume
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 3,7
Number of tracks: 13
My Favorite Song(s): Wrap your arms around me, Raging lung, Ready to lose
Reminiscent of: Einstürzende Neubauten, Nurse with wound, Non, Boyd Rice, SPK
Summary: This is not music, this is art. Electronic art. Far from pop, but very innovative and strange. The perfect disc to torture your families… ;-)
33: Project Pitchfork - Black
Total scoring: 25 out of 50
Vocals: 2 - Distorted diabolic voice
Sounds: 6 - Digital electronics, aggressive
Melodic-Level: 6 - A lot of catchy tunes in music, often covered by the voice.
Production: 6 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 5
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Rain, Acid Ocean, Nil
Reminiscent of: Skinny Puppy, VNV Nation, Oomph, some stuff I don't know...
Summary: Hard beats, aggressive vocals and catchy melodies. The album is very melodic and electronic, but this is not my kind of music…
Total scoring: 26,2 out of 50
32: When saints go machine - Infinity Pool
Vocals: 6 - Special! Sounds like Kermit on LSD
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronic, clubby and jazzy
Melodic-Level: 3 - Strange
Production: 8 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 3,2
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Iodine, System of unlimited love, Mannequin
Reminiscent of: Fever Ray, The Knife, Röyksopp,
Summary: A very special artistic act. Not to compare with all other acts in the competition.
Summary: A very special artistic act. Not to compare with all other acts in the competition.
31: Karl Bartos - Off the record
Total scoring: 27 out of 50
Vocals: 4 - Not a great singer, Kraftwerk Style
Sounds: 5 - 100% Kraftwerk 1975-1981
Melodic-Level: 5 - Trivial tunes. Auf Deutsch: langweiliges Gedudel!
Production: 8 - High level mastering
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 5
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Atomium, Musica Ex Machina, Rhythmus
Reminiscent of: Kraftwerk, Anthony Rother, Celluloide, Elektric Music, OMD
Summary: Karl should try to find some new sounds. The albums still sounds like Kraftwerk 1978. Although I love these old Kraftwerk stuff, I don't want to hear this sound in 2013. "Rhythmus" sounds exactly like "Computerwelt". He seems to be caught in a time loop...
30: System Syn - No sky to fall
Vocals: 6 - Gothic Ronan Harris-esque
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronic, a lot of "super-saws"
Melodic-Level: 5 - Always melodic, somehow
Production: 6 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 5,2
Number of tracks: 11
My Favorite Song(s): No sky to fall, Hide and seek
Reminiscent of: VNV Nation, Rotersand, Apoptygma Berzerk, Project Pitchfork
Summary: Powerful gothic future pop from USA. A catchy version of Project Pitchfork.
29: Skinny Puppy - Weapon
Total scoring: 28,6 out of 50
Vocals: 5 - Distorted diabolic voice
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronics
Melodic-Level: 5 - Some good tunes in music
Production: 7 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 5,6
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Wornin, Solvent, Paragun, Plasicage
Reminiscent of: (Early) Skinny Puppy, Project Pitchfork, Front 242, Portion Control
Summary: I used to be a big fan of Skinny Puppy in the 80s. They have lost me when they started to use more guitars and less melodies (Rabies/Too dark park). Although, this album is back to the roots of "remission and bites", I'm grown out of this kind of music. Perhaps the album would get more points if I was just in a different mood ;-)
28: I am X - The unified field
Total scoring: 29,4 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Interesting unique voice
Sounds: 5 - Full electronic range with a lot of guitars and real drums.
Melodic-Level: 4 - Only a few catchy moments on this album
Production: 6 - Low level mastering
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,4
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): I come with knives, Sorrow, The unified field
Reminiscent of: Cure, Marc Almond, Sneaker Pimps
Summary: Not classic electronic pop, but there are a few catchy moments on this album. An interesting artist for open minded synth pop fans. The opener "I come with knives" is worth listening to…
27: Lorde - Pure Heroine
Total scoring: 29,4 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Very good singer
Sounds: 5 - Mostly (virtual) analog, no surprises.
Melodic-Level: 5 - Melodic, but no catchy refrains
Production: 7 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 4,4
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Royals, Buzzcut Season, White Teeth Teens
Reminiscent of: Lana del Ray, Lily Allen, Miriam Bryant
Summary: Newcomer from New Zealand. She's more a singer/songwriter, but like some others, she is not using an acoustic guitar, but some good sounding electronics. So this is her ticket to this album-list. Music for dinners without ups and downs. No one will be hurt...
26: Little Boots - Nocturnes
Total scoring: 30,2 out of 50
Vocals: 6 - Thin, but sweet voice
Sounds: 7 - Mostly (virtual) analog, 80s Disco
Melodic-Level: 5 - Melodic, but no catchy refrains
Production: 7 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 5,2
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Motorway, Confusion, Crescendo, Satellite
Reminiscent of: Madonna (early), Mylene Farmer (early), Flirts, Sally Shapiro, Bobby O., Kylie Minogue, Patrick Cowley, Giorgio Moroder
Summary: An uptempo disco album with influences from the 80s italo disco sounds. There are some catchy melodies, but I am missing refrains.
25: Visage - Hearts & Knives
Vocals: 6 - Not as strong as in the eighties.
Sounds: 6 - (virtual) analog with guitars and real drums.
Melodic-Level: 6 - Some good hooks, but inconsequential
Production: 6 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,6
Number of tracks: 13
My Favorite Song(s): Shameless fashion, She's electric, Hidden sign, I am watching
Reminiscent of: Visage and other 80s Bands.
Summary: Another reunion of 80s idols. Mr. new romantic himself is back. The Album is not bad, but the strength of the first two albums was the participation of Ultravox and without these masterminds the album is not on that high level. Without the spirit of the eighties, it doesn't works. Even the re-use of the original Fade to grey drum track on "She's electric"does not change. Every track on "Visage" or "The anvil" is much better than the best track on this album. Finally: It's much better than "Beat Boy" and "Strange cruise".
24: Maps - Vicissitude
Total scoring: 31,6 out of 50
Vocals: 6 - Thin, but he is able to sing
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronic, lot of pads and strings
Melodic-Level: 7 - Melodies for dreaming away
Production: 6 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,6
Number of tracks: 11
My Favorite Song(s): A.M.A., You will find a way, This summer, As I can see
Reminiscent of: Hurts, Pet Shop Boys, Alphaville, OMD, New Order, Colin Newman
Summary: Sympathetic boredom or Music to dream. Although the album has no ups and downs, I like it.
23: Technoir - We fall apart
Vocals: 6 - Not bad, but often heard
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronic
Melodic-Level: 7 - A lot of melodies
Production: 7 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,0
Number of tracks: 13
My Favorite Song(s): Human shapes, We came for love,We fall from grace, Let not your heart be troubled, Gasoline
Reminiscent of: De/Vision, Colony 5, Covenant, Endanger, Camouflage
Summary: Typical german synth/futurepop. Good, but one of a number...
22: Feathers - If all now here
Total scoring: 32,4 out of 50
Vocals: 7 - Good female voice with character
Sounds: 7 - (virtual) Analog, samples and basses. 80s dark wave.
Melodic-Level: 5 - Not many catchy tunes
Production: 7 - Punchy and good balanced
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,4
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Land of the innocent, Soft,
Reminiscent of: Depeche Mode (Some great Reward, Black Celebration), Cure (Pornography, Faith), Siouxsie, Valentine
Summary: Thanks to iTunes recommendations, I have found this fine album. Many sounds seems to be from an old Daniel Miller Synclavier. If you used to be a goth in the middle of the eighties you might love this album...
21: Austra - Olympia
Total scoring: 34,2 out of 50
Vocals: 7 - Unique voice
Sounds: 8 - Full electronic range with some real Instruments
Melodic-Level: 5 - A lot of tunes, but not really catchy ones
Production: 7 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,2
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Home, We become
Reminiscent of: The Knife, Fever Ray
Summary: The album is OK, but there were some better releases in 2013.
20: Parralox - Recovery (disc edition)
Total scoring: 34,8 out of 50
Vocals: 7 - I like the voices of John and Ami
Sounds: 8 - Full range electronic, 80s
Melodic-Level: 5 - Good Tracklisting, but all are covers
Production: 8 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,8
Number of tracks: 14
My Favorite Song(s): Touched by the hand of god, Kebapträume, A forest, the model
Reminiscent of: All Eighties Heroes
Summary: This CD is very difficult to score. For me, a cover version has to reinterpret the original song. The track listing is great, but most versions are too close to the original, so they can only be worse. Exceptions are "Headhunter", "Touched by the hand of god", "Kebapträume", "a forest", "the model" and "Love will tear us apart". I think, John and Ami had a lot of fun in recording this album, but I am looking forward a new Parralox album 2014.
19: Erasure - Snow Globe
Total scoring: 35 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Unique voice. Andy on top form.
Sounds: 9 - Analog. Clark-esque
Melodic-Level: 4 - Some catchy tunes, but also much trivial stuff.
Production: 7 - Good standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7
Number of tracks: 13
My Favorite Song(s): Gaudete, Make it wonderful, Sleep quietly,
Reminiscent of: -
Summary: A unexpected good christmas album. Gaudete is the best Erasure-track since years. Vince rediscovered his old analog gadgets and programmed some great sequences and sounds. As expected, there are some really boring tracks on this album, so the overall ratings are not so good…
18: Diorama - Even the devil doesn't care
Total scoring: 35,3 out of 50
Vocals: 6 - Typical german synth pop voice ;-)
Sounds: 8 - Full electronic range with guitars, dark and deep.
Melodic-Level: 6 - Catchy refrains, but many verses are hard to handle
Production: 8 - Good dynamics.
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,3
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Hope, Summit, When we meet again in hell,
Reminiscent of: Wolfsheim, De/Vision, Rotersand, Distain, Final Selection, Blutengel
Summary: Maybe the best german synth pop album in 2013. The album is more dark wave than synth pop.
17: Polly Scatterground - Arrows
Vocals: 8 - Great voice
Sounds: 7 - Full range electronic
Melodic-Level: 7 - Melodies for dreaming away
Production: 7 - Good balanced standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,4
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Cocoon, Falling, Subsequently lost
Reminiscent of: Goldfrapp, Sandra Kolstad, Lily Allen, Lana del Rey, Miriam Bryant
Summary: Yes, Polly is electronic. She is one of that modern singer/songwriters with electronic support. Most tracks are down- or mid tempo with focus on lyrics. Each time a beat shows up you will hear a great pop song.
16: OMD - English Electric
Total scoring: 36,2 out of 50
Vocals: 9 - Andy's unique voice
Sounds: 7 - (virtual) analog, Kraftwerk-esque, not very variable
Melodic-Level: 6 - Between 8 and 4
Production: 7 - Good balanced
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,2
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Night Café, Our System, Dresden
Reminiscent of: OMD (Dazzle Ships), Kraftwerk, Karl Bartos
Summary: Some shallow pop songs, some experimental tracks and a few great tracks. OMD tie in with old times and I'm not sure what to make of this. On one hand, it brings back memories, on the other hand, a few modern influences would be good. Point deduction exist for the re-use of "Kissing the machine". Unfortunately, a true masterpiece in the style of Romance of the telescope is missing.
15: Pet Shop Boys - Electric
Vocals: 6 - I love Neil's voice, but it is rare in the foreground on this album
Sounds: 8 - Full range electronic, very 80s
Melodic-Level: 7 - Very variable quality
Production: 9 - Powerful and modern
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,6
Number of tracks: 9
My Favorite Song(s): Axis, Love is a bourgeois construct, Thursday
Reminiscent of: Patrick Cowley (Axis), Bobby O., Some 90s Trance and Eurodance
Summary: Here it is: the 2013 Pet Shop Boys album. Back to electronic dance music. Stuart Price has produced a modern dance album with lots of great PSB elements, but also with too much Electro-House influences. I hate that "club-sweeps" and "sirens". They make me aggressive, so I have to reduce the track-ratings of most tracks.
14: Hurts - Exile (Deluxe)
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Total scoring: 36,7 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Unique voice
Sounds: 7 - Full range electronic with some guitars
Melodic-Level: 7 - Not many catchy tunes
Production: 8 - Industrial standard.
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 6,7
Number of tracks: 14
My Favorite Song(s): Sandman, Mercy, Somebody to die for,
Reminiscent of: Depeche Mode, A-Ha
Summary: Not as good as the debut album, but with some highlights. For me, they try too much to sound like Depeche Mode (Exile, The road, Cupid), but the songs are not strong enough. Largely trivial pop music without a highlight like "Better than love" or "Wonderful life". A nice pop album, but do not compare with their masterpiece "Hapiness".
13: Northern Kind - Credible Sexy Unit
Total scoring: 37 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Sara's voice reminds me of Susanne Sulley (Human League), but Sara is a better singer ;-)
Sounds: 7 - Analog, very 80s. No surprises. Over eleven songs a little bit boring.
Melodic-Level: 8 - Beautiful melodies
Production: 7 - Authentic 80s production
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7
Number of tracks: 11
My Favorite Song(s): Out of time, Dreams, Heat
Reminiscent of: Vince Clark, Human League, Altered Images, Parralox, Data
Summary: I 'm a child of the eighties, so I like retro stuff like Northern Kind or Parralox. In direct comparison, I notice that Parralox sounds a bit more modern. Northern Kind sound very consistently according eighties. This has a certain charm, but in the long run I lack the special kick. The album features eleven nice pop songs, but only three highlights.
12: Sinestar - Singularis
Vocals: 8 - Good male synthpop voice (Midge Ure like)
Sounds: 7 - Full range electronic with guitar and real drums
Melodic-Level: 8 - Good vocal lines, catchy tunes
Production: 7 - Good independent production
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,9
Number of tracks: 14
My Favorite Song(s): I am the rain, Without glory, Lived for, Subterranean, Butterflies
Reminiscent of: Tenek, De/Vision, Distain, Ultravox
Summary: Good classic synth pop stuff without any ups and downs. No track to skip and no track for multiple repeat. The main difference to other bands is the use of guitars and drums. For me rather bad.
11: VNV Nation - Transnational
Vocals: 9 - One of the best male voice in competition
Sounds: 7 - Full range electronic
Melodic-Level: 7 - A lot of melodies
Production: 8 - Good dynamic range
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,0
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): Retaliate, Teleconnect pt.1&2, Off screen
Reminiscent of: Rotersand, Endanger, Blutengel, Colony 5, Apoptygma Berzerk
Summary: Another heavyweight electro act. On "Transnational" you will find no "Beloved", "Standing" or "Carbon". It is a solid album, but I am missing an atmospheric peak. Teleconnect pt2 is close, but the spark does not jump over. The songs are somewhat interchangeable.
10: The Sound of the crowd - Life is calling (Ltd.)
Vocals: 8 - I like Johns voice
Sounds: 7 - Full range electronics with focus on (virtual) analog, 80s
Melodic-Level: 8 - A lot of catchy tunes
Production: 8 - Well balanced on a high volume
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,1
Number of tracks: 15
My Favorite Song(s): Aeronaut, Wildlife, Life is calling, Atmosphere, Elisabeth
Reminiscent of: Parralox, Human League (Voice), OMD, Erasure
Summary: In the slipstream of "Parralox's Recovery", John von Ahlen published in 2013 the first album of his side project "Sound of the crowd". For me the much more important release, because it is very well done. John wrote some very good Electropop Tunes.
09: Churches - The bones of what you believe
Total scoring: 38,3 out of 50
Vocals: 7 - I like the female voice, but the male voice is not so strong.
Sounds: 8 - Full range electronics, modern 80s.
Melodic-Level: 7 - While there are three real hits but also some less melodic tracks.
Production: 8 - Good balanced standard.
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 8,3
Number of tracks: 13
My Favorite Song(s): The mother we share, Lies, Recover, Strong hand
Reminiscent of: Saint Etienne, Little Boots, Hurts
Summary: It is a really good debut, but in my mind the album is overrated by the press. I think it would be better if Churches had signed with an indie label. The pressure from an industrial label has killed more than one good band in the past. I wish nothing but the best for the future of the three likeable scots…
08: Miriam Bryant - Raised in rain
Total scoring: 38,4 out of 50
Vocals: 9 - Great Voice
Sounds: 6 - Full range electronic with some guitars and piano
Melodic-Level: 9 - Catchy refrains and good tunes
Production: 7 - Standard
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,4
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Push Play, Finders Keepers, Raised in rain, Etched in stone
Reminiscent of: Lana del Ray, Lily Allen, Lorde
Summary: Another electronic Singer/Songwriter. Miriam Bryant has a lot of power and half the tracks are really awesome electropop songs.
07: Marsheaux - Inhale
Total scoring: 39,6 out of 50
Vocals: 8 - Fairytale voice
Sounds: 8 - Full range electronics, modern 80s.
Melodic-Level: 7 - A lot of catchy melodies, in some cases not strong enough
Production: 8 - Solid balanced. A little more bass in production would be nice.
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 8,6
Number of tracks: 11
My Favorite Song(s): Inhale, Alone, Never stop, End is a new start, Can u stop me
Reminiscent of: Technique/Client, Peach, Ladytron, Saint Etienne, Mylene Farmer, Blondie
Summary: Marsheaux was one of the first female "new generation" synth-acts. I follow them since E-Bay Queen in 2004 and they impress me with a constant quality at a high level. I was not able to find any bad track yet… ;-)
06: Depeche Mode - Delta machine (Deluxe)
Total scoring: 41,1 out of 50
Vocals: 10 - Benchmark since years
Sounds: 8 - Full electronic range with some guitars
Melodic-Level: 6 - Some highlights, but also some awful songs (Slow, Angel, Goodbye)
Production: 10 - Great sound. Benchmark!
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,1
Number of tracks: 17
My Favorite Song(s): Secret to the end, Broken, Should be higher, Alone, All that's mine
Reminiscent of: -
Summary: Best Depeche Mode album since "Songs of faith and devotion". Some tracks are outstanding, but this "Blues thing" is still not my cup of tea.
05: Woodkid - The golden Age
Total scoring: 42,4 out of 50
Vocals: 9 - Very special voice.
Sounds: 9 - Full range electronics with piano, real and virtual orchestra.
Melodic-Level: 8 - Some tracks are huge Earwigs (e.g. Run boy run)
Production: 9 - Powerful and balanced. High professional "major label" production
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 7,4
Number of tracks: 14
My Favorite Song(s): The golden age, Run boy run, I love you, Stabat Mater, Conquest of spaces, Iron, The other side
Reminiscent of: -
Summary: Beside Vile Electrodes, Woodkid is my favorite newcomer of 2013. The sound is fresh and powerful. It is not really synth pop, cause there are so many real instruments on the album. But for me, the sound is a crossover of classic and synth pop. So I have to rate the album... Thanks Vodafone.
04: Marnie - Chrystal World
Total scoring: 44 out of 50
Vocals: 10 - Voice like an elve
Sounds: 8 - Analog/Virtual Analog, but not really innovative
Melodic-Level: 10 - Contains a lot of catchy tunes, sweet as sugar
Production: 7 - Clear vocals, but little basses
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 9
Number of tracks: 10
My Favorite Song(s): We are the Sea, Hearts on Fire, Laura, Submariner
Reminiscent of: Ladytron (of course), Strawberry Switchblade
Summary: I have followed the project very early and had very high expectations. These were maintained and even exceeded. The album contains ten intelligent pop songs and I wish Helen that she also gets commercial success with her debut release. I'm also looking forward to a new album by Ladytron.
03: Mesh - Automation Baby
Total scoring: 45 out of 50
Vocals: 9 - Best male voice of genre (except Dave Gahan). Often a little bit aggressive.
Sounds: 9 - Full range electronics with some guitars and a lot of samples.
Melodic-Level: 10 - Nearly every track is a hymn.
Production: 8 - Good balanced
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 9
Number of tracks: 14
My Favorite Song(s): Automation baby, This is the time, Adjust your set, Born to lie, Never meet your heroes, When the city breathes, You couldn't see this coming.
Reminiscent of: Depeche Mode, Tenek, Diorama, Iris, Information Society
Summary: Mesh is a league of their own. Since they started as one more Depeche Mode clone (a good one) in the 90s, a lot has happened. They have grown up and since "who watches over me", Mesh is the most constant synthpop band of the scene. Powerful uptempo synth pop with great Melodies. Additionally, Mesh is one of the best electro live acts since years.
02: Emika - DVA
Total scoring: 47,6 out of 50
Vocals: 9 - Not a big voice, but very artistic vocal style
Sounds: 10 - Virtual Analog, virtual Orchestra and some Piano, creative modern sound design
Melodic-Level: 10 - Most tracks contains a lot of catchy tunes and intelligent arrangements
Production: 10 - Heavy basses, clear vocals
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 8,6
Number of tracks: 15
My Favorite Song(s): After the Fall, Sleep with my enemies, Fight for your love, Centuries
Reminiscent of: a little bit Fever Ray
Summary: When I hear the album for the first time, I could't believe, that there are so many catchy tunes with that great soundscapes. "Centuries" is one of my favorite tracks in 2013. I still love that album and I am not surprised to find it at the top three.
01: Vile Electrodes - The future through a lens
Total scoring: 49,8 out of 50
Vocals: 10 - Powerful voice with a lovely pronunciation
Sounds: 10 - Analog, most creative modern analog sound design
Melodic-Level: 10 - Contains a lot of catchy tunes, intelligent arrangements
Production: 10 - Large dynamic range, fat, angry sounds, warm pads, clear vocals
Track-Rating (The sum of the ratings of all tracks divided by the number of tracks): 9,8
Number of tracks: 12
My Favorite Song(s): Proximity, Tore myself to pieces, Nothing, Deep Red
Reminiscent of: early Human League, Vicious Pink, experimental OMD
Summary: I went to cologne to see Vile Electrodes as support for OMD. I didn't care about OMD, because I have seen a lot of their gigs in the past. But I was fascinated by the 3 EPs from Vile Electrodes released so far. That day I fell in love with Jane and Martin. They were fantastic with all that live gadgets on stage. After the show, Jane and Martin signed my copies of the EPs. They are really lovely people.
When a few weeks later I downloaded the digital copy of the album, I was flashed by the power and the creativity of this masterpiece. The mixture of aggressive sounds, pop melodies, atmospheric pads, Jane's vocals and intelligent arrangements works perfectly for me. Turn up the volume and listen to each track focused from the beginning to the end. You will love this album!
