Tracklist:
1- Penetration
2- Penetration (Floormix)
3- Course (Instrumental)
4- Penetration (Forma Tadre Rmx)
5- Penetration (Assemblage 23 Rmx)
6- Unseeing (Edit by Guido Le Frick)
7- Penetration (Future Fuck Rmx)
8- Penetration (Converter Rmx)
9- Dream Aid (Filtered Thru Assemblage 23)
10- Penetration (Amalgamous Rmx)

Total Play Time: 56:02

The latest release of Daniel Myer's under his "Haujobb" title continues with it's excellent delivery of electro music. The quality of the music found in "Polarity" (the full length before this) is not lost in the new songs "Penetration" or "Course" presented on this MCD. The 6 different takes on "Penetration" are thankfully that as well, 'different.' A personal favorite from "Polarity" gets remixed here as well ("Unseeing") along with the older track "Dream Aid."

The pleasant part about the latest Haujobb output is that it isn't "synthpop" (and least not in my definition). While some will probably hail this as "standard electro," it is unique enough to my ears both in quality of the production and the format of the sounds. The remixers do their part in quality sound as well, even if it is their "standard" output. New sounds do interest me, but I can also appreciate someone who creates a clean and smooth song which doesn't neccessarily shock with a new sound. Some go for the dance floor with their remix ("Floormix"), while others are creating the thoughtful sound ("Forma Tadre Rmx") and then there is some harder edged remixes ("Guido Le Frick"s rmx & the "Converter rmx").

Of particular note:
Track 3: "Course (instrumental)"
There is nothing wrong with an instrumental, and this goes to prove it. There seems to be this belief that an instrumental means "less" work or "quality" according to some. Some music speaks for itself though, which "Course" does quite well. Starting out you'd guess this song will lead into an all out dance track. Catchy drum hooks, and some trance reminiscent effects in the background. It's when the keyboard comes in sounding like a violin (maybe it is an actual!) that the song turns more personal in nature. Shortly after, the echoing sounds of a choir pick the song up, turning it into something beyond the dancefloor. The song creates this image of a journey into a human soul, which the single voice sample at the song's midpoint only confirmed for me personally. The definition is of course for each to decide, but the beauty of the song I think is what will be a common thought.

Track 4: "Penetration (Forma Tadre Rmx)"
Not only do we get the music remixed with this track, but also new vocals! There is something more dramatic sounding with the new vocals, but not so dramatic as to take away from the song. The song isn't as experimental in sound as Forma Tadre's last CD, instead going for the slow drum beat and focusing on the various keyboard ('organ') sounds and the vocals. While still retaining hints to the original version, Forma Tadre makes the song basically a new song. This being one of the strengths this CD has in not becoming repetitive.

Track 9: "Dream Aid (Filtered Thru Assemblage 23)"
Remember "Dream Aid" from the 'Freeze Frame Reality' release? Not only does this song get new sounds in it's remix, but also gets Tom Shear's take on the vocals. Starting off after the echoing beeps, a heavy bass beat makes me think "rhythmic noise ?!?!" Others may not say the same, but the deepness of the bass, and abrupt ticks form a beat which sounds similar to a rhythmic noise CD I've heard.... regardless, this isn't a rhythmic noise song in the slightest. The recognizeable attributes of the original song start shortly after, then lift off into the grand melodies Mr. Shear showed off in his latest releases. The most appealing thing is the emotion I feel behind the vocals and sounds of this song. Well done, and certainly one of my favorite remixes from Assemblage 23.

If you are looking for a little bit of everything from the "industrial" genre, it can be found here. Quality music, with an amazing diversity for so many remixes of the same song. Including the "Unseeing" and "Dream Aid" remixes, were nice touches as well (the "Unseeing" remix goes retro a bit, with the addition of guitars... nicely done). The artwork of the CDs package also is quite an eye catcher. It is nice to see Haujobb hasn't turned into "that old project" for Daniel Myer, for this CD shows the value of Haujobb with it's quality and beauty.

Information:
Label: Metropolis Records 2002
Serial: MET 245
Title: Penetration MCD
Band: Haujobb
Site: Haujobb & other projects of Daniel Myer

Reviewed by Bry'n
5.30.02