Truth is Fanatic

This German trio makes electronic music that strikes an unusually artful balance between elements of techno, industrial, electro, and '80s pop. While their sound could hardly be described as "light," it certainly comes across as both more complex and more accessible than most of what their colleagues in the dark electro marketplace tend to produce. From its title track -- a long and nicely structured tune that opens the album with dubbed-up vocals and atmospheric effects, and ends up sounding like a cross between Babble and Front 242 -- to the remixes that end the program, Truth Is Fanatic sounds almost like a manifesto for the future of Teutonic electro, mapping out a musical concept that leaves behind crypto-fascist flirtation and oppressive, bludgeoning sonic density in favor of more open and inviting sonic textures, without sacrificing seriousness. "Almost Violent" and "Content Killer" are perhaps the best realizations of Rotersand's ambitious musical conception, both of them accessible and almost even hooky. "Electronic World Transmission" is a bit less exciting, as is the plodding "Lifelight." "One Level Down" is perhaps the album's most surprising track -- a genuine acoustic guitar ballad supported (rather than overpowered) by electronic percussion and keyboards. It's a lovely song and a unique one, and the same can be said of the album as a whole. ~ Rick Anderson