BLACK AFFAIR PLEASURE PRESSURE POINT ALBUM V2, CO-OPERATIVE RELEASE: AUGUST 6, 2008 REVIEW: OCTOBER 11, 2008

Here we have the new project from Steve Mason, known from the cult independent act The Beta Band. While that project was experimental pop music, this is more electronic than his earlier works. It’s an interesting mix between playful electro and soft pop, all with an 80:s influenced techno sound. The bizarre blend between everything is the strength of this album, but at the same time it’s a burden as it doesn’t quite work as a complete unit.

After looking at the cover, I’m expecting some smooth, sexy electro aiming at the dance floor, which is what I get at first. The songs are almost childish at times, like "Reel to Reel" with its NDW flirts; and Black Affair even take small trips into Morrissey electro on "Will She Come".

"Pleasure Pressure Point" starts off really strong and gets my expectations up, but I find myself getting bored over time. With a little less schizophrenia between the styles this project could be something for the future but now it doesn’t work all the way. The next time, pour everything through the distiller one more time.

TOBIAS ELIASSON