DUPONT INTERMEZZO ALBUM LIFE IS PAINFUL RELEASE: MARCH 7, 2005 REVIEW: APRIL 7, 2005

Dupont have experienced a slight reduction since the last time we heard from them. Their growling singer Juan has left the band – performing only on one song here, leaving Riccardo and Danucci to take care of the output alone. This has led to a change of sound, and actually a leap forward. Dupont now leans more toward electropop than the old school EBM of the debut album.
“Intermezzo” kicks off with the sleazy “Casino”, where a heavy bass line offsets the deep, breathy Elvis vocals of Riccardo. This creates an interesting new combination of styles, and is actually rather good.
After this we move on to poppier territory with “Why Must I Die?”, another splendid track that perhaps sounds a bit like their friends Covenant. “Bells Start Ringing” is a funky piece with fabulous synth stabs making up the rhythm. “Planless Exhibition” employs the vocals talents of Johan Kinde from Lustans Lakejer, dramatic strings and abrasive electronic noises. Possibly the best track on “Intermezzo”, in competition with “Unkown Airspace”, a melodic pop song with a deliciously bouncy bass.
Dupont manage to have a sound of their own, while using old classical synth tricks. Not all the songs are equally great, but enough of them for me to heartily recommend “Intermezzo” to anyone who likes danceable electropop with body influences.

JOHAN CARLSSON