FUNKER VOGT NAVIGATOR ALBUM SYNTHETIC SYMPHONY, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2005 REVIEW: OCTOBER 26, 2005

He has been trying my patience for quite a while now, German electro mastermind Gerrit Thomas. Following freshly multifaceted Fusspils 11 and their intriguing "Elektro Polizei - Alarm für Fusspils 11!" is another stale, formulaic effort from Funker Vogt. Why he insists on calling this his main project is truly an X-file of the most cryptic kind. I am beginning to doubt his skills, as most of the vital, terrific material penned by him in later years (beginning with the debut album by Ravenous) has been co-written. Ravenous, for instance, sees Thomas team up with Björn Böttcher and Tim Fockenbrock, and the result is always exquisite. Over estimation seems more and more likely.

As sole producer of the music for Funker Vogt, it is pretty clear, judging from "Navigator", that he is repeating himself to the point of absurdity. Ironically, the promotional material speaks of a totally new direction for the band. I beg to differ. A few smothered electric guitars here and there (I think three tracks host guitars) does not constitute change.

And the lyrics. Those infernally annoying clichés about soldiers dying heroic deaths and the terrors of war (duh!) got on my nerves on "We Came to Kill" (from 1997) and they are still with us, pathetically similar and shallow.

The title track, solely, is what saves "Navigator" from the ninth circle of hell. An energetically charged dance bomb, equipped with restrained lyrics and several surprises. It also helps in covering up some of the most uninspired work ever conceived by the ever popular (yes, it seems this album appeals to the fans as well!) German war-EBM gangsters.

NIKLAS FORSBERG