Robotiko Rejekto - Corporate Power

It has been 22 years since Robotiko Rejekto released 'Cyper Space' LP/CD. Ralf Henrich (Ra/Hen) returns with his second album 'Corporate Power' with a new look and a new label.

With several seminal acts of the 80's and 90's like Vomito Negro, The Klinik, Signal Aout 42, Absolute Body Control and Leæther Strip returning to the forefront of the electronic scene with new music, it makes sense that Robotiko Rejekto would do the same.

Like most acts staging comebacks, it is important to the artist incorporate their signature sound with a modern sound. Robotiko Rejekto manage to do a pretty good job with that. For those of us familiar with the early sound we definitely hear tributes to that era with the signature robotic voice that makes appearances throughout the album. We certainly hear the progression of Ralf's song development. The songs have a fuller more robust crisp sound and pack quite a punch. There is an emphasis on lyrical content. In the past the lyrics were more simple and often spoken parts in the songs. 'Corporate Power', delivers its message on corruption, the environment and greed with well-rounded compositions both lyrically and musically.

Robotiko Rejekto now incorporates the use of several female vocalists to update and enhance the sound. "Crying", the band's first single and "Reload" feature Ava Nima. Ralf and Ava both share vocal duties on these tracks. Ralf's vocals are aggressive at times and he finds a nice mix of melodic synthpop and the trademark robotic voice. Ava's vocals are mixed into the chorus along with Ralf's, but her solo parts are really just spoken vocals reminiscent of the early years of RR's style. "Biosphere" I believe is also done by Ava Nima. Another track with spoken parts and politically charged with an environmental message.

"War For Peace" features Fea Cross and Andrea Zanaboni. One sings and the other has an almost acapella part. "War For Peace" really captures true essence of the oldschool meets the newschool. The signature robotic voice infused into the track really compliments the female vocalists.The entire blend makes this my favorite track on the album.

"High Fidelity" features Frollein Bond. This is one best tracks on the album. It has another perfect blend of both male and female vocals.

There are no fillers on the album. "Don't Let Go", "Meltdown Consequence" and "Catch Your Soul" all showcase some upbeat dance floor fillers with memorable choruses that will rent space in your head for weeks and months to come. Even the remixes are pretty cool. I usually hate remixes. The two remixes of "High Fidelity" offer and a very different approach to the track. Tom Wax's interpretation gives a slow techno vibe while Alexander Metzger's has a chill vibe to it. The other remixes are done by Aesthetische ("Love") and Ivo Draganac ("Crying"). Both remixes are well done. Aesthetische brings out a colder sound that reminds me of The Klinik. I like the remixed version better than the album version. The Ivo Draganac version of "Crying" has a definite emphasis on the dance floor. I can't stop thinking i'm at a VNV Nation show until Ralf's vocals start then I feel good again. The crying baby sample rules!

'Corporate Power' delivers on every track. Ralf's vocals really stand out. The music is well done. There really isn't anything that I find not well done. One thing that stands out to me is the use of several female vocalists. They all sound the same. If you told me each track with female vocals was the same person I would believe you. It doesn't take anything away from the songs. I really like them all. It just seems like more work for Ralf and company.

I am personally excited to see Robotiko Rejekto back in action. After hearing them for the first time in the early 90's my eyes and ears were opened to so many more great artists. I became a die hard fan of Axodry with their synth-poppy hi-energy dance beats along with Moskwa TV and their brand of ebm synth-pop. Guess what? Ralf was involved with both Axodry and Moskwa TV. He has worked with Leæther Strip and Talla 2XLC, who by the way was part of early Robotiko Rejekto. To get a better idea about Ralf's history, check out Infacted Recordings Classixx Collection series that features Axodry and Robotiko Rejekto. Both are brilliant compilations that showcase Ralf's early work. Recently, Robotiko Rejekto did a killer remix for the dark electro project Object on 'Mechanisms Of Faith' double album. I have a feeling there is a lot more to come for Ralf and his Robotiko Rejekto project. Mar 16 2013