Absurd Minds:
"Herzlos"

Track list:

01. E3-Memorial Remix by [:SITD:]
02. Radio Edit by Absurd Minds
03. Remix by Unheilig
04. Clubmix by Scarecrow
05. Remix by NamNamBulu
06. Ionicmix by Accessory
07. Remix by Soman
08. Chiller Mix by Canay

Total Play Time: 40:33

Having heard Absurd Minds output before on the "Damn the Lie" full length, I have skated around purchasing any further releases by them. It's not that I found the music to be horrible on that full length CD, it's just that nothing was great or stood out on that disc as exceptional. It was extremely difficult to get the image of Project Pitchfork vocals out of my head also when listening to the Absurd Minds vocals. I figured I'd give the group another chance with the "Herzlos" single, especially since they lined up some remixers that do catch my eye (or rather 'ear').

This purchase has proven to be well worth my money, and has even left me wanting more. The lyrics to "Herzlos" are all in German, which I think help seperate that Project Pitchfork image I had kept in mind with previous songs. Musically, Absurd Minds has created an energetic electro song with a catchy chorus (even if you don't understand it). While it may not be breaking any molds in the electro-dance genre, it succeeds at being an entertaining song whether you want to dance or simply enjoy energized music.

It's the remixes where I am totally blown away though. When a group chooses to have a single song remixed in 8 different versions, that could easily degenerate into something boring and repetitive. Somehow this single avoids that trap though, and each version brought something new and interesting to my ears. All of the remixes are enjoyable, but to touch on a few.....

Unheilig's remix starts off by adding in a guitar to the song, but it's not overwhelming to the beat or vocals that are so enjoyable. The energy is retained in the track, the guitar just adds more of an edge that goes well with the German lyrics. Good luck avoiding the desire to chant "Du bist Herzlos" with the vocalist. NamNamBulu have some sort of magic touch with remixes it seems also, and they definitely bring it into the song "Herzlos". Even more danceable then the other versions, the song takes on a irresistable "futurepop" style sound with NamNamBulu's version. Absurd Mind's vocalist and the lyrics themselves go well with the lighter, dance-friendly mood NNB created.

Starting the disc off with [:SITD:]'s darker remix is a great introduction to the song, and the following songs are all arranged so that the disc is fluid until it's end. The "Chiller Mix" by Canay couldn't have been a better close to the single. The beat in the track itself isn't necessarily 'slow' all the way through, but the atmosphere generated by the gentle synthesized background voices brings a certain calm to the track. Even with such a pleasing exit, don't be too surprised if you are tempted to hear one or two of the remixes "one last time" before you change the disc.

Reviewed by Bry'n
03.01.04