Spilstar - Dignity

'Dignity' is the debut release from Danish Spilstar and the title track was also my first encounter with the artist in the Synthematika Vol 3 compilation. Spilstar got this nice 90's synthpop feeling combined with elements from the end of the 80's. Exactly the taste and smell synhtpop should have in my opinion. Even though I don't cry of joy the way I did the first time I heard Zynic last year, Spilstar have true potential of greatness.

However, there's something odd going on with this EP, and it's not that it isn't good, because it is. What is wrong is that they are barking up the wrong tree. The hit of this EP is not the title track, but the B-side "The Holy Truth". "Dignity" is a good track, even great, slow and mellowed synthpop with a strong chorus. However, it is simply overshined by the amazing second track. Even though the verse is not as strong, the chorus is simply perfect.

While "Dignity" is a track that makes you do the goth nod (registered trademark to Nick Quarm), "The Holy Truth" give you the double rainbow experience. It's a track you fall in love to and a track you fall in love with.

Is this a critical mistake, well, no, and maybe some yes. With this EP, Spilstar shows that he is ready to take on the scene, and he will sooner or later, I promise you that. However, I think that the B-side would have made a much bigger impact on people and if someone only get to hear one track it's "The Holy Truth" they should hear, not "Dignity".

Before we round up this review, there's an almost hidden little gem after the three remixes of the title track, called "Zombies", and you only get if you get the paid version. Even though it's not quite as great as the two first tracks, it's still a good track and Spilstar show he has talent for making catchy choruses, and that is a live or die situation in the synthpop genre.

Synthematik have picked up so many talented artists and released their first album or EP, only to lose them to a bigger company. I think it will be hard for them to keep their hands on Spilstar as well. Apr 18 2012