Culture Kultür :
"Combat!"

Track list:

01. No Surrender
02. The Journey
03. Nemesis
04. Reflex (Replicant Mix)
05. Forever (Eternal Mix by God Module)
06. No Surrender (Assemblage 23 remix)
07. To The Unknown Soldier (+ hidden track)

Total Play Time: 39:10

Information:

Label: Out of Line

Serial: OUT 092

Title/Format: "Combat!" CD EP

Band/Artist: Culture Kultür

Site: Culture Kultür Homepage and their label's page Out of Line.

My first experience with Culture Kultür was the release "Reflex" which wasn't a bad CD, but didn't stand out from anything else I was listening to at the time either. When "Revenge" was released I didn't rush to purchase the disc considering how "Reflex" turned out. Months after it's release, I did finally pick up Culture Kultür's latest full-length ("Revenge") and found the band's sound had greatly matured (or maybe it was just my musical tastes changing!). With "Revenge" being such a success in my mind, I immediately jumped on the purchase of "Combat!" Would "Combat!" continue the success of "Revenge"? That was the real question for me.

Sound wise this EP picks up where "Revenge" left off. The music is upbeat, quite danceable and done with vocals that are mainly spoken but carry emotions behind the lyrical content. Culture Kultür would seem to have picked up a few sounds from today's trance music, which isn't the most unique style to release; but if you like your music danceable and with vocals then this will hit the spot.

"No Surrender" brings to mind certain other artists when I listen to it (VNV Nation) yet it's lively nature keeps the song from being spoiled despite the similarity. "The Journey" continues on with the high hat friendly, danceable sound but carries a variety of vocal presentations in it's package for extra enjoyment. "Nemesis" is one of my favorites with it's "I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever... we begin bombing in 5 minutes" sample at it's beginning. Not jumping right into the high speed beat, the song takes it's time adding in layers of different sounds before lifting off into the chorus and energetic climax..... then it slows itself with grace for a moment, and kicks the beats back in to dance mode once again.

The remixes are well done also, with God Module's take of "Forever" being my favorite. The "Eternal Mix" is clearly stamped with God Module's sound from their latest EP ("Perception"), and the exciting part is that it compliments the Culture Kultür style vocals very well. God Module's new take on EBM is enjoyable, and dance friendly like Culture Kultür's more electro style; but is sometimes lacking in vocal style variations. With Culture Kultür providing the lyrical and vocal content, God Module's sound rises to a new level of musical appreciation in my book.

This isn't to say the Replicant Mix of "Reflex" or Assemblage 23's take on "No Surrender" aren't also enjoyable. The "Reflex (Replicant Mix)" showcases the original in another very catchy dance version and tweaked vocals sounding more robotic. A23 takes "No Surrender" and makes it an Assemblage 23 style track. The beautiful synth lines Mr. Shear is so good at using are in abundance here making this an A23 sounding track with Culture Kultür's vocals instead of Tom's own.

Closing out this EP is a slower track "To The Unknown Soldier" with emotional vocals that bring the CD to a fitiing closure..... or maybe the disc isn't quite finished! Around the 5:10 marker of track 7, a drum beat and hi hat suddenly kick in catching me by surprise. Shortly thereafter the beat is swept up into a groovy loop and spoken vocals which can't escape the comparison to some of Covenant's vocal presentation. I like Covenant's work though and others using it sparingly doesn't bother me. Besides this song's beat insists I simply enjoy the the dance-friendly sound, and I don't doubt there are others who'd agree.

Overall a great follow-up to a release like "Revenge". "Combat" continues the making of accessible dance music, and catchy vocals/lyrics that made "Revenge" such a success. Tracks like "To An Unknown Soldier" show there is also talent here in making more then just dance music. Let's hope Culture Kultür doesn't keep us waiting to long for more new music.

Reviewed by Bry'n
04.24.03