WAVE IN HEAD FOR A SPECIAL MOMENT ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: NOVEMBER, 2005 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 28, 2005

Most artists have a tendency to, as they approach the writing process of a third album, feel more or less obligated to come up with something extra, an unexpected element or a totally different sound. Michael Pohl, the man behind the Wave in Head moniker, has refused to scratch that seemingly unavoidable itch and waddles on through familiar territory on "For a Special Moment", the third installment in his series of distinctively German sounding synthpop.

Dealing with primary electronic pop staples, Pohl has patched together a number of haunting melodies, but inevitably comes up short in the basic song writing. While never stumbling backwards down the trenches of oblivion, his warmth charged machines and tender vocal style do rub me the wrong way most of the time as nothing sticks out.

Wave in Head may still be an electropop force to reckon with, but it requires a return to past ingenuity as well as a sprinkle of contemporary edge. The first two albums, "Time to Speak" and "You" better display the forceful talent of this project, so start your journey there and wait for the fourth, full fledged album instead.

NIKLAS FORSBERG