Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Spreading Point is a German duo that saw the daylight in 1993. After a few self-released productions they went in ‘hibernation’ for more than 10 years, but reactivated the project in 2010. New stuff has been released and this EP completed a 2-volume mini-album series. “Momentum Part II” reveals 5 new songs plus 5 remixes.

Content: There are clearly 2 parts featured on this EP (or mini-album). You first of all get 5 captivating electro-pop songs, which are merging evasive passages together with catchy song structures. The songs sometimes remind me of Elegant Machinery and Spock. There’s a similar, captivating and catchy sound approach with great choruses on top. Next to a great opening song, “The Blitz Kids” coming next is a typical poppy electro-pop song that will catch the attention of numerous pop fans.

The remixes have been accomplished by Psyche, People’s Theatre, Wave In Head, The Dynamic Master and Shiny Darkness.

+ + + : If you like classical synth-pop without real surprises, but maximum efficiency I can only, but recommend this “Momentum”-series. Among the 5 original tracks there are 3 brilliant cuts. This is electro-pop music with a great retro-touch, but first of all a well-crafted and accomplished production with great synth sounds. The remixes feature interesting names and Psyche definitely sounds as a cool contributor to this work. I however prefer the remixes by People’s Theatre and The Dynamic Master.

– – – : Next to the 3 outstanding original songs, both cuts left are nothing more than simply poorly-inspired B-sides track. But you don’t hear me to complain as I’ve been more disappointed by the remixes, which bring some diversity, but no real bonus to this EP. I especially expect more from Psyche!

Conclusion: “Momentum – Part II” stands for great original versions and rather disappointing remixes. So in the end it would have been better releasing a real full length with all original versions from both “Momentum”-EP’s instead of 2 EP’s.

Best songs: “ The Blitz Kids”, “Kühle Eleganz”, “Behind Your Mask”, “The Blitz Kids – People’s Theatre Katz Mix”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/spreadingpoint

Label: www.scent–air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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Out now is a brand new free download compilation compiled by Synth Radio: the Camouflage tribute compilation “The Great Compliment”. “The Great Compliment” holds 20 tracks in total and you can preview it below, and download it right here.

The 20 bands included are Substaat, Intent Outtake, Sad January, Parralox, WANTed, Edenfeld, Spreading Point, Machinista, Модуль, Vaylon, deZeption, 56 Degrees North, Supercraft, Rayphonic, Equatronic, Fate Creator, Last Phase, TourDeForce, Radiomun, Halovox.

These acts have been covering the following songs: “Love Is a Shield”, “Sooner Than We Think”, “Helpless”, “Stranger’s Thoughts”, “Me and You”, “Where Has the Childhood Gone”, “They Catch Secrets”, “I Can’t Feel You”, “Spice Crackers”, “That Smiling Face”, “The Great Commandment”, “Here She Comes”, “Feeling Down”, “Crime”, “One Fine Day”, “Motif Sky”, “Conversation”, “X-Ray”, “Suspicious Love”, “Together”.

Here’s a preview of the compilation:

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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