Gothtober- Girls Under Glass : "Backdraft"

To this German band's credit, they sound like they are an actual band playing their instruments. This goes a long way with me. The first song "Night Kiss" is a little too upbeat for its own good, making it not feel as dark as it should have. They know what to do as they show us with"Tainted". Granted they have Mortiis helping them out with vocals. It's not until "We Feel Alright" that I begin to consider how this sounds more 90s than 80s. It is the industrial touch to the drums. But this is fine as I think the post-punk revival kids have done the 80s to death at this point. 

"No Hope, No Fear' is not as dark, but there is a thoughtful introspection to the melody that creates a melancholy laced with a touch of optimism. It's the first song I have heard from these guys that has a hint of the 80s, and it's an odd mix of the Cure and Killing Joke.  "Sunburst" has a heavier synth feel, that might induce dancing. It feels more cold wave than dark wave, which might sound like splitting hairs unless you too know it when you hear it. They continue on this path for another song that is more electronic and aimed at churning booty on the dance floor. 

"Everything Will Die" is headed in the same direction, but with a different intent. It is not trying to force you to dance, but has something to say, and more of a sense of melody to get this point across. "Endless Nights" is an anthemic dancefloor banger that could have come from 1999. There is an almost Gary Numan-like feel to "Everything Will Die" . This more melodic touch elevates it from just being a backdrop for a dark club. "Endless Nights" takes off in the direction of most post-90s dark wave. A creepy synth line leads to an upbeat pulse and the vocal accents are more of an afterthought. The chorus saves the song as it works really well. There is a bridge that breaks down a little but, most of the songs are pretty straightforward when it comes to the arrangements. 

I am not sure it needs a minute and a half to get the last song really started. It is a slow electro-power ballad. The distortion kicks in as the chant of the chorus gets more anthemic. I will give this album an 8.5, as it's effective at creating the mood it is going for, and while things follow a formula it works for the genre, as it has more substance than your average , dance under the smoke machine goth nite soundtrack.