FANTAZJA HELP YOURSELF ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: NOVEMBER, 2007 REVIEW: DECEMBER 20, 2007

I don't know if I've heard anything void of talent coming from the Utah based synthpop label A Different Drum. I seriously doubt it. Focusing mainly on American acts in the beginning, label mastermind Todd Durrant has developed the company to become one of the world's greatest in the electropop field.

The Swedish youngsters of Fantazja are one of the newest additions to the roster and they do sound more experienced than one can expect from their age. Mostly linked with bands like Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and more contemporary synthpop bands, they beat much competition through intensely catchy chorus arrangements and a vocalist far above the genre standards.

Amidst all the electronics comes "Thoughts Are Dust", an abrupt acoustic exception, interrupting the buzzing synth flow of the album. Good, but somehow misplaced on "Help Yourself".

The true gems of the disc are "Remedy", where Pontus Johansson's voice accelerates into blistering power mode and the playfulness and sincerity of "Kathy". Alexander Wennerqvist, the other half of Fantazja, does most of the song writing and programming with flair and elegance, making "Help Yourself" a super solid synthpop CD full of dance floor catchieness and moody ballads.

NIKLAS FORSBERG