Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Thor Modem is a Swedish solo-project set up by Mats Ericsson (who has been also involved quite a time ago now with Poetica Grotesque and Blipp!). “Ready To Comply” is the debut album of Thor Modem featuring eight songs.

Content: The influences running through this work are obviously getting us back to the magic of Kraftwerk; robotic Electro-Pop music accentuated by computer-like vocals. Guest artists Anders Nygårds (the singer of Blipp!) and Arvid Tuba (with whom Thor Modem also released common works as Tuba/Modfem) have been featured at the song “Plastique”.

+ + + : The robotic Electro-Pop style is reminding multiple Swedish projects but remains a fascinating experience. The opening song “Just A Machined” and “Speed Of Light” featuring a cool melody line both are the most noticeable cuts revealing the potential of this artist. The retro-sound still has this refreshing sensation which also makes the difference with classical Electro-Pop bands. The artwork of the album is totally matching with the sound.

– – – : Most of the songs are however missing this catchy, melodic, element. So I should say there’re great ideas running through the album but I’m missing this little, essential, extra to speak about a major success.

Conclusion: This debut album gave me mixed feelings; there clearly is a potential hiding behind this project but it doesn’t come through at most of the songs. Let’s however keep an eye on Thor Modem.

Best songs: “Just A Machine”, “Speed Of Light”, “Not Human”.

Rate: 6½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/thor.modem

Label: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621696110

About Thor Modem

Thor Modem is the solo project of Swedish musician Mats Ericsson, previously involved with Poetica Grotesque and Blipp!. “Ready To Comply,” reviewed here, is Thor Modem’s debut album, released in 2023 and built around the relationship between computers and humans, largely told from the computer’s perspective through robotic, Kraftwerk-indebted Electro-Pop and computer-like vocals.

The track “Plastique” features guest vocals from Anders Nygårds of Blipp! and Arvid Tuba, with whom Ericsson has also released material as Tuba/Modfem.

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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