THE APRIL TEARS CONSUME DESIRE ALBUM EDEL RELEASE: JANUARY 21, 2001 REVIEW: JANUARY 21, 2002

You have to admire The April Tears. They've fought an uphill battle for several years now, since the debut "Strange Paradise" (ten out of ten in the printed Release, 3/95). Some of the songs on "Consume Desire" can be traced back to different compilations released around 1997, and the unreleased album "Eyes Cold Kisses". These songs, one of which is "Heart Shut Down", have gone through serious improvement upgrades, though, and now sound like something that could be released in 2002.
You know, that first time you listen to an album, there are usually one or two tracks that appeal a little extra to you. "Medicine" was all it took to convince me. It's, together with the moody closing theme appropriately titled "All Good Things Must Come to an End", the calmest moment on the album. Sara's voice sounds fantastic here and not strained, like in some sequences in other tracks. Musically, "Medicine" shows obvious, though impressive resemblance with the "Violator" era of Depeche Mode, but there are links to Garbage and, primarily, the "Version 2.0" album as well.
The three singles released, "Model Actress Whatever", "Seventeen" and "Hardcoming" are all included, as is the above mentioned old favourite "Heart Shut Down", in a new, more slowly paced version.
"Hong Kong" is the track that really tests the listener. Granted, I didn't like it at all when I first heard it, but over time it feels like a natural piece of the "Consume Desire" puzzle, though more experimental than the other material.
The April Tears have two very important features that give them an upper hand toward other pop/rock/indie/synth bands. Namely, Sara's charismatic, though not always flawless, vocals and Andreas Jismark's knack for writing great songs. "Consume Desire" also delivers songs for every mood. Contrast the sound between "Medicine" and "Clone Elvis" and you'll understand what I mean.

NIKLAS FORSBERG