THE NEON JUDGEMENT SMACK ALBUM LC MUSIC RELEASE: APRIL 28, 2009 REVIEW: JUNE 8, 2009

Let's cut right into the heart of this release: you need to have variety, not just one continual beat throughout the entire record. Legendary Belgian EBM rock duo The Neon Judgement didn't impress me much in the 1980:s and they surely don't now.

There is one saving grace to this comeback album called "Smack": it's not that long; yet it drags like leaden chain on the ocean floor. Pounding amateurish beats and they appear to have been listening to some of the terror EBM out there.

The Neon Judgement's Dirk DaDavo and TB Frank blunder into the 21st century with a decidedly uninspired approach. Ignore what the niche mongers say about this band, you don't have to suffer through it to be "diverse" or "brave". This pair are unfortunately out of ideas, and that's the best take I can give on their new work here. Tired and listless, they still flirt with rock'n'roll and it was cute in the 80:s but it's just annoying here. Instead of their sound being updated, we are treated to nothing more than cliched almost barked lyrical content coupled next to the aforementioned flatline of aural tepidity.

2009 has had it's share of absolutely amazing work emerging from within its scope. I'm afraid "Smack" is not one of them.

PETER MARKS