TRANSCEIVE INTRIGUE ALBUM CHAMPAGNE LAKE RELEASE: DECEMBER, 2001 REVIEW: MARCH 4, 2002

After the first few rounds in the CD player, I cursed the lack of vocals on Transceive's first born. An entirely instrumental, but varied and exceptionally balanced, album, "Intrigue" made me make solo waves in my bedroom. At the same time I was somewhat annoyed by some of the included pieces missing dark Dave Gahan-vocals. That was until I understood.
I initially listened to "Intrigue" in portions and changed tracks quite often. That's a big no-no when it comes to instrumental albums with some form of theme or element of continuity. Now, Transceive is nor ambient neither trance or even techno, it's more like electronic music in the vein of Front Line Assembly and Depeche Mode, with more melodies and effort put into the soundscapes. The end product, "Intrigue", is the labour of three years work by sole member, Englishman Steve Nelson. The album shows a man managing to make the most of his machine park, without following routine guidelines for electronic music.
It took me a while to appreciate "Intrigue" for what it is and what it should be. But I know better now. If Steve feels the need to incorporate vocals as an ingredient in his complex walls of sounds, I'd be the first one to encourage it, though. It could add another dimension to his already impressive skills.

NIKLAS FORSBERG