ANDREAS TILLIANDER WORLD INDUSTRIES ALBUM PLUXEMBURG, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: OCTOBER 25, 2004 REVIEW: JANUARY 17, 2005

When Andreas Tilliander, who’s previously been mostly known for his clicks’n’cuts related sound experiments, turns to making pop music of sorts, it sounds like a remarkably smooth transition. Album opener “Let Booty Loose” may not live up to its fabulous, Nitzer Ebb-paraphrasing title, but then again – how could it possibly? It’s a good song nevertheless, and sets the tone for what’s to follow on “World Industries”: a smooth flow of four to the floor techno pop, that’s infinitely more intriguing than that description may make it sound.
Because while the slick surface sheen may be what draws you to the music, it’s the rougher, spikier undercurrents that really sweep you away. The detailed textures encompass both twitchy little noises and engaging melodies, both robotic perfection and dirty spots of digital rust and rot. Single “Back to the USA”, featuring the vocals of rock band Division of Laura Lee singer David Fransson, may be among the most accessible tracks, but given time the album takes a very coherent and solid shape. One of few letdowns is “Teardrop”, a somnambulistic song that at least moodwise recalls the most worn out 90’s trip hop formulas. But that is more than compensated for by among others the great “She Will Never Feel”, a fantastic pop song where Tilliander himself handles the vocals.

KRISTOFFER NOHEDEN