REACTIVATE REACTIVATE YOUR MIND ALBUM STRANGE WAYS RELEASE: JANUARY, 2006 REVIEW: FEBRUARY 11, 2006

I remember a time when quality electropop was as rare as bearable sitcoms are nowadays. The early nineties were pretty painful altogether if you ask me. Depeche Mode released "Songs of Faith and Devotion" (an album I have grown to love, I have to admit), Italo Disco had turned into sub par factory made euro dance (Maxx, DJ Bobo, Captain Hollywood etc) and gritty grunge became staples of the mainstream. Recent years have seen electro rise from the ashes, flooding a defenseless audience around the globe and even though there is lots and lots of trash littering the record shelves, there will also, inevitably, emerge significantly more interesting acts to chose from.

Reactivate is definitely one of those bands that have benefited from an electronic revival. The German gentlemen Marc's and Frank's recipe is not by any means new, but they have enough experience and material to draw influences from to make "Reactivate Your Mind" a solid debut album. The first half in particular shines as it builds on and adds spice to the traditional futurepop trend as well as incorporating old school electro sound structures.

I have moaned about it before, and surely will again, but this is an album that should have been an EP. The latter parts of "Reactivate Your Mind" reveal huge dents in the song writing department, some of which echoes of stale amateurism. The first six or so tracks, however, will be worshipped by futurepop fans and should be given a chance by others as well. For the clubs and your personal living room dance floor.

NIKLAS FORSBERG