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Archived Reviews
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Tau Factor is the solo project of one Carsten Pedersen & this is his second album, following on from 2002's Prototype. His music is an engaging EBM formula that perfectly straddles the divide between the complex & the infectious, combining robust, hard-hitting rhythms with thoughtful & sometimes complex melodic work in a manner that resembles that other under-rated artist, Electro Synthetic Rebellion so, whilst the music has enough hooks to make for an instantly accessable listen its many layers make repeat listens a rewarding prospect. It's a balance that few albums manage to achieve so well & should ensure that this one enjoys the kind of longevity that elludes many of its ilk. The fun starts right in the opening seconds as the raunchy sounds that herald the opening of 'Shadowed Reality' & thus kick the album into life, promise that this is going to be something a little special, a promise that is quickly resolved as Carsten delivers 12 tracks (as well as a dancefloor-friendly remix of 'Motionless' from Pre-Emptive Strike 0.1) that provide a constantly enjoyable & engaging listening experience. The highlights pop up with great regularity, among them the excellent 'Nyheder' where the assertive bass backing sets the scene for one of the album's most memorable tracks, that, while you might not remember it straight away you'll find yourself coming back to it time & time again & discovering something new each time. Likewise, the rhythmic latter half of 'Transmissions' is all the more effective for its atmospheic opening & the way it gradually but definately gains impetus while the slower 'Fade From View' is tailor-made for Carsten to work his melodic magic which he duly does (although if it were about a minute or two shorter it would have been even better. In fact, pretty much every track has something to recommend it & I could rave about the album's attributes all day but the outcome would still be the same-if you're looking for an album that's not only excellent value for money (a trait common to virtually all DSBP releases!) but engages your brain & provides lasting satisfaction into the bargain then this is well worth your time & money. |
