Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.
Background/Info: It took three years for the German duo Torsten Verlinden (vocals) – Steve Baltes (electronics) to achieve their third full length album. “Across The Ice” was preceded by the singles “Stars” and “Surrender.”
Content: Arctic Sunrise is a band I kept an eye on. Their previous albums revealed a mature writing and an electro-pop sound appealing for fans of De/Vision. The new opus doesn’t sound that different, although the songs are more into a kind of dreamy melancholia. It feels a bit like music filled with dreams and emotions. Some of the songs are carried with solid bass lines. I also noticed a few parts by guest guitarist Oliver Franken. The most surprising cut is the cover version of “Running Up That Hill” originally written by Kate Bush.
+ + + : Arctic Sunrise confirms their talent to compose achieved electro-pop music. The best cuts from the album again appeal for fans of De/Vision; the originality is far to find, but the accomplishment is remarkable. Torsten Verlinden also confirms to be a great singer.
– – – : Speaking for myself I prefer previous albums. The album is sometimes a bit too dreamy-like and even if the album got positive reactions in the band’s homeland, I expected a bit more from this duo.
Conclusion: Arctic Sunrise are no longer getting me by surprise; the songs are still well-crafted, but the magic is a bit gone.
Best songs: “Stars (Album Version)”, “Running Up That Hill”, “The Game”.
Rate: (7).
