Modulate - Robots

Four years have passed since the release of Modulate's debut album 'Detonation' and during that time Modulate has morphed dramatically. Their followup EP which is entitled 'Robots' doesn't have the slightest hint of the usual EBM and Industrial elements that made up their last release. This is a move that's going to evoke a polarized reaction from fans of this project and it will challenge those who were expecting an evolution of the previous sound of this band, but what's life without a little evolution and change, eh?

The new tracks on this EP showcase a huge stylistic shift towards the techno, trance and hard house genres which isn't really a surprise as all of these genres have been referred to as influences in this project's sound several times in the past and the visual side of their live presentation has been steadily moving in this direction as well.

That said, the new material completely surpass all of the previous work of this band in both the songwriting and production fronts. The original tracks on this EP are crystal clear and razor sharp which makes for an enjoyable and engaging listening experience from the very first bassline onwards.

The tracks "Boombox" and "Robots" are the early standouts and several repeated listens to recommended for some down and dirty grooves which will remain stuck in your head for extended periods of time. Both of these tracks have the hooks and changes in all the right places and I hope that they are an indication of even greater things in the future releases of this project.

Alongside them is a rebooted version of "Dirty Fckn Disco" (originally by Shaun F) that gives a new twist to an old favorite and converts it into a new dance floor classic. There are also two more original tracks here, "Nightmare" which has an old school early 90s trance sound to it and the downbeat Machines which ends the A sides of this EP.

After this we have a remix of "Hard and Dirty" by Adam from Lab 4 which put a hard dance spin on the original. Regrettably though it doesn't really add anything new to the track and sounds a bit flat as a result. Still, it does have potential as a dance floor filler.

The remaining four remixes feature remix works of "Robots" by well known scene icons Straftanz, Aesthetic Perfection and Soman as well as a alternate remix by Robotochan (Modulate's evil twin). All four are very good, but the Aesthetic Perfection remix steals the show here.

In conclusion, the four year wait has been worth it and I highly recommend you give this release a listen. Just don't expect the same old rusty industrial because you WILL be disappointed! Jul 22 2012