UNIVERSAL POPLAB UPRISING - THE REMIXES ALBUM WONDERLAND RELEASE: NOVEMBER 30, 2007 REVIEW: JANUARY 30, 2008

It hasn't taken Universal Poplab that long to establish themselves at the top of Swedish electronic pop. The utter pop sensibility and robust brand of quality have proven potent enough to reach an audience beyond the loyal synthpop fan base. Filling the gap between "Uprising" and the yet untitled third album is a surprisingly varied remix album.

Zeigeist's dance take on "I Could Say I'm Sorry" carries a sound similar to their own brand of arty synthpop, giving Universal Poplab a bit more punch and attitude. "Soma Generation", altered by German Menichal Servants, follows the path of the first track as it retains a sound heavy on electronics, custom made for the clubs. Unknown to me, Andreas and the Chemicals deliver a groovy, acoustic take of "Fire", halting the beat driven synthpop, albeit briefly. Next come my Australian darlings Neuropa (their last album was rather dodgy though, I admit). They have crafted another floorfiller with edges of upbeat Italo disco, boosting "Vampire in You" to new heights.

Another five remixes make up the track list of this limited (1000 copies) release, none of them even remotely uninteresting. Band member Paul Lachenardihre's "Swing Remix" of "Heart Apart" is fantastic in its diversity and creative approach and Thermostatic enthusiastically transports "I Could Say I'm Sorry" back to 1984 through their screaming Sidstations.

I think I can honestly say that this is one of the most solid and well balanced remix albums I have ever heard. Brand new single "Fame and Hate" is yet another catchy pop pearl and together with "Uprising - the Remixes" it helps numb the craving for the new album lurking somewhere in the studio.

NIKLAS FORSBERG