SYNTAX MECCANO MIND ALBUM COLUMBIA, SONY RELEASE: APRIL 14, 2004 REVIEW: APRIL 16, 2004

Syntax is a rare thing indeed. It’s soulful electronic pop music that’s not afraid of taking influences from other genres, as well as from Underworld and Depeche Mode, while confidently paving their own path. Furthermore, they have a singer that doesn’t sound at all like the cliché synthpop vocalist of yore. Mike Tournier - ex groovemeister in Fluke - and Jan Burton - with a background in rock - blend together seamlessly and their debut effort is one of the best albums of the year. Even though it’s still only April…
The album opens with the stunning “Pray”, the first single and a smoking dance track. Groovy as a very groovy thing indeed. And the talented London duo just keeps the hits coming. I won’t list them, because I would pretty much mention the entire track listing.
Jan’s dark and brooding voice fits perfectly. Mike’s sonic landscapes are dynamic, captivating, varied and simply funky as hell. Song after song, I’m amazed at the sheer musicality pouring out from my speakers.
It's far away from futurepop and EBM, and has more in common with techno, but don't let this scare you. It is pretty interesting that some of the best electronic pop comes from bands outside of the hardcore synthpop arena. There we find talented people unafraid of using influences from other genres, which usually make for more inspired listening.

JOHAN CARLSSON