Rotersand – Don’t Become The Thing You Hated (Digital/CD Album – Trisol / Metropolis Records)
Meanwhile, it’s been over 20 years since Rotersand made their debut. More than two decades later, Krischan Jan-Eric Wesenberg and Rascal Nikov can look back on a rich discography filled with numerous hits and highlights. Their new album took five years to achieve and offers a critical reflection on humanity, exploring how people ultimately give in to the very things they once disapproved of.
Musically, this theme is translated into the familiar yet ever-evolving sound of the German duo. Wesenberg remains a true wizard when it comes to crafting original and efficient Electronic soundscapes. The style is difficult to define precisely, drawing on various influences that could best be described as a harder form of Electro-Pop. Many tracks build gradually, often culminating in an absolute apotheosis. The first part of the album feels rather calm and controlled, while the second half reveals the harder, more danceable pieces. Deep basslines and menacing sequences are driven by powerful, club-ready rhythms. At times, the music evolves into a trance-like experience, which has always been a hallmark of Rotersand’s sound. Layered on top is the experienced voice of Rasc Nikov, perfectly complementing the compositions.
It may have taken a while for Rotersand to deliver their new album, but it was worth the wait. This is intelligent Electro of the highest order, enriched with thought-provoking lyrics. (Rating:9).
Listen to “Sexiness Of Slow”:
Read the news on ‘Don’t Become The Thing You Hated’.
About Rotersand
Rotersand is a German electronic act formed in September 2002 by musician/producer Gun and singer Rascal, joined shortly after by dance music producer/DJ Krischan J.E. Wesenberg. The band describes its sound as “industrial pop”, though it is often placed within futurepop. Rotersand released the debut album “Truth Is Fanatic” in 2003 on Endless Records, followed by “Welcome To Goodbye” in 2005, “1023” in 2007, and “Random Is Resistance” in 2009, the latter three on Dependent and Trisol. “Truth Is Fanatic Again” followed in 2014 and “Capitalism TM” in 2016, both on Trisol, then “How Do You Feel Today” in 2020 on Metropolis.
In a Side-Line interview, Wesenberg described Rotersand as still working “as a band with 3.5 members”, with Rascal and Wesenberg joined by Gun, who is no longer formally part of the band but remains involved for feedback. He noted that songs for “Don’t Become The Thing You Hated” went through years of rework, including the track “Heaven”, which originated from the “Random Is Resistance” sessions. The CD edition of the new album includes two additional tracks, “It Was Night” and “Train”.
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