She Hates Emotions – Melancholic Maniac (Album – Out Of Line)
Genre/Influences: Wave-pop, electro-pop.
Format: Digital, CD.
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Background/Info: With She Hates Emotions, the Blutengel front man Chris Pohl wanted to pay homage to the 80s, a decade he has known as teenager and which has inspired him throughout bands such as Depeche Mode, Camouflage, Human League, Alphaville ao. It also is a new project set up by Christina Pohl who next to Blutengel got renowned for being involved with Terminal Choice, Tumor, Miss Construction, Seelenkrank ao.
Content: She Hates Emotions has nothing in common with Blutengel expect it is the same artist and operator so you for sure will recognize similar elements, but globally speaking this indeed is something completely different. Chris Pohl injected typical 80s elements, which you’ll hear emerging from some effects, snare drums and of course the melody lines, but there also is something more personal. This artist has been never a copyist so the songs rather sound as a personal interpretation of 80s influences or the transposition of new-wave elements into a contemporary version.
All songs –except the last ‘bonus’ track, have been sung in English revealing lyrics about love, loss and some rather familiar pop- and 80s subjects. The songs are danceable and definitely melodic, which is one of Chris Pohl’s trademarks.
+ + + : We already knew the EP-title song “See The Light”, but there’re clearly other potential singles featured. What I like in this artist is his ability to invent new projects with a different focus. The 80s inspiration is something he had never done before and he accomplished with a real devotion. I especially like the songs with explicit 80s aspects, “The Final Dance” being a little jewel. But I also have to mention “Turn Back The Time”, which is somewhat different for its melody line reminding to Kraftwerk. The production of the album is also an essential element. There’s a great sound based upon well-crafted songs with the right melody line and catchy choruses.
– – – : Blutengel definitely remains the artist’s best project ever! It all sounds like his other projects are just living in the shadow of Blutengel…
Conclusion: This debut is refreshing tribute to the 80s new/electro wave style!
Best songs: “The Final Dance”, “Don’t Leave Me”, “Turn Back The Time”, “Cry Wolf”, “See The Light”.
Rate: (8).
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