RENAME CULTURE ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: DECEMBER, 2004 REVIEW: FEBRUARY 16, 2005

Rename originates from back in 2000, when Geman trance/techno guru Mark Oh introduced a new band called Flash on the single "The Damned Don't Cry" (a Visage cover). Following a commercial letdown (this particular cover is pretty good, though), front man and vocalist Marcus Geltner decided to expand on his musical vision with compadre Toby Bartzsch. A few demos surfaced on the Intenet and started a slight buzz, a reaction that would later get them a contract on American synthpop label A Different Drum.
This is not your run-of-the-mill Depeche Mode clone. "Culture" leans more towards the dance pop adventures of the Pet Shop Boys and does so with great energy. Vocals, melodies and choruses are what demand the most attention, while the production work and punch, the pure power, sometimes seem less than perfect.
The first single "You Don't Deserve My Love" is a good example of a great track that could have benefited from a more distinct transition from verse to chorus. "Culture" does hold qualities that differentiates it somewhat from other synthpop albums of recent times, which makes it interesting not only for its catchy songs but also in that it sounds more contemporary. More 2005 and less 1982, so to speak.

NIKLAS FORSBERG