DISREFLECT MNEMOPHOBIA ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: JANUARY, 2009 REVIEW: MARCH 4, 2009

What American label A Different Drum does is truly admirable. Mastermind Todd Durrant has kept his love child alive since the early nineties and continue to release quality synthpop to the world. Disreflect is the latest newcomer on the label roster. Behind that fairly typical electronic band name hides German Ingo von der Osten and his debut is mostly a story of success.

The trouble with A Different Drum, as I see it, is the lack of proper promotion the artists get, as many of them have huge potential. With just one man running things, this is easier said than done, though.

"Mnemophobia" can not match the top releases from the label, but the sound is not run-of-the-mill synthpop. Focus lies more on the emotional and the dreamy, giving it an aura of subtle ambience. When peaking, von der Osten reminds me of Danish electro wonder Intricated, like on breezy ballad "Rest" and album opener "Splendors of Night". Strong vocals are also a trademark of the album, but the thick German accent surfaces from time to time.

The approach taken on "Mnemophobia" is brave and well executed, but in the end the songs are a bit too similar. Isolated songs do work wonderfully and Disreflect may have plenty of life in him yet.

NIKLAS FORSBERG