BACKLASH LODESTAR EP ALBUM MEMENTO MATERIA RELEASE: APRIL 14, 2005 REVIEW: APRIL 25, 2005

The sound of Backlash is extremely intricate, with an almost plastic feel to it; hard production work down to the smallest detail. But they don’t forget that you need to have a song around it as well, which is why “Lodestar” is such a great track. This EP focuses on the title song, of course, but also gives new versions of two other tracks from the latest “Heliotrope” album. To finish off, there’s an entirely new track to give a hint of what these three Swedes are up to 2005.
An instant favourite of mine was the delightful “Lodestar (Love Is in the Ear Mix)”, which gives a bouncy electronic house feel to it, and should make it playable on most dance floors. Interestingly enough, this is the winning remix in a remix contest initiated by the band.
It’s also interesting that this 100% electronic band pulls off an acoustic version, which really lets the melody come through, and also lets the singer show off a bit more.
“Man of a Different Mould” is the new track, and it’s every bit as sonically perfect as the other material, but lacks the strong melody of “Lodestar”. It’s a more introvert experience, I would say.
If you like Backlash’s version of electronic pop, you can’t really go wrong with this EP, and if you haven’t heard them before, I think this paints a good picture of what Backlash is about.

JOHAN CARLSSON