RAINDANCER AUDIO ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: MARCH, 2005 REVIEW: APRIL 25, 2005

It was rewarding, to say the least, to finally see these charming Swedish lads release a full album. I remember talking to vocalist/lyricist Erik Skalin a couple of times, back when they had only released their very first demo "The Museum", a four track tape that sports my favourite track by the Swedish duo (then named Joyce). "Sandman" is a fuming piece of dancepop art from the late nineties that promised more. And more came a year or so later with the furious dance craze "Two", incorporating raging dance anthems "Come with Me" and "Hear You Saying", weaving threads of rave into their bouncy electropop. More do-it-yourself-releases followed until they struck up a deal with Ninthwave.
"Audio", Raindancer's first thoroughly produced work yet, sees them recycle a few old tracks, like the mentioned "Come with Me" and "September Comes Again". Hearing them again now, crystal clear and riddled with new bleeping sounds, is not entirely pleasant however, as I still prefer the demo originals. Personal preference aside, they are still fabulous examples of what the band is about; fast paced, dance haunted synthpop with intense vocals by Skalin.
This is for the Elegant Machinery fans as well as followers of futurepop and trance laden techno heads. Get their demos too, if you can, and you'll (re)discover their ability to write good songs, which is the essence of their genre.

NIKLAS FORSBERG