Some time ago Manuskript released an EP called I can't believe it's not Goth, well how wrong this would be if it was the title of the promo from Pretentious , Moi. But why use this comparison you ask, because the man behind Prentious , Moi is also in Manuskript.And at times there is a faint reminder of that fact, but mostly you are dealt with an incredibly good offering.
Having heard Malina, as most of you probably have by now,I can say that it is but a taste of things to come.
WitchHouse starts off with some keyboard wizardry things twirling about. And drums that wants to almost sounds a bit techno-ish!And while this might sound like a recipe for disaster, it is saved by the guitar that sneaks it way into the mix.And very soon the intro scare is lost on you the voice makes it's first appearance.A very good chorus follows the verses, and this is a reoccuring aspect of the band.
Now and Again starts off with a great guitar riff, same great voice.Very emotional track this. Building up to a great chorus Living Dead and Undecided is again more rock then the previous mentioned tracks.Another great guiatr riff, solid drums and bass guitar. And by now the familiar great chorus.I must confess that this really does not sound like a UK band to me but definately more german, similiar to Behind the Scenes.
This is a great promo and I really can not wait for the album! Excellent!

Ex-The Nomads Land and ex-Land of Passion, now Popoi Sdioh changed their name in 2001 after seven demo tapes and one CD as Land of Passion which to this day remains one of my favourite albums. The now four piece draws inspiration from post-punk, dark and post-rock. Cut-throat vocals, all the distortions, the frenetic drumming and what they call audiocrashtests (dirty samples or other weird noises that help build suspense) reminds you of many of the bands of the like Bauhaus, Crass, Echo And The Bunnymen, Electric Hellfire Club, Scratch Acid, Thrill Kill Kult, Christian Death, PsychicTV, Front 242, The Birthday Party, Alien Sex Fiend, Aphex Twin, Clock DVA but they are not just another throwback band to the eighties. Blending in sporadic electronics, experiments with noises and other stuff makes them stand out of the crowd and still suitable and innovative especially at this time where to may bands only try and emulate the past instead of growing from the past. This is a band that creates a balance between the '80s and the new millennium!
This CD is incredible. It almost wants to be entirely familiar yet it is refreshingly new. “Braa”, “Crick in the head”, “Great god Pan”, ”Psychogame“ and “Freaks” are outstanding tracks!
www.nerves.net