Where "Distant Pulses" (Negative Format's last CD) took the project into the realm of 'trance' style music, "Static" continues down that path. Stating that the music "shares similarities with 'trance' music", shouldn't be interpreted as "is 'trance' music" with no originality. Vocals are still a main ingredient on most of the tracks, which is one big difference from the standard 'trance' material. I found the vocals (not the lyrics) on "Distant Pulses" boring after the first couple of songs because they never seemed to change their sound. It wasn't done is such a way that drew attention to them. With "Static" on the other hand there is much more variety in the vocal effects. Combine the improved vocals with great remixes and catchy choruses, you'll soon find yourself with a winner.

Nevermind the first and last track which are short, abstract intros and outros, and go right to the CD's title track "Static" for your listening pleasure. The song doesn't take long to get to the danceable beat, which may seem quite standard and nothing to get excited about. Give it time to build to the chorus though, where a transition with the music becomes much more interesting and the first example of those "catchy choruses" shows off. After that first chorus, the track seems to contain more life using well placed breaks to keep you entertained the full 6+ minutes.

Keep in mind it only gets better from there on. "Downfall" goes into overdrive with the beat, and provides the best examples of the now varied vocal effects. Going back to "Static" with Informatik's remix, the song gets not only a harder sounding beat but also vocals which take on a more mechanical sound. Standard beat? Yes, but that doesn't take away from the well placed samples, keyboard effects and a gorgeous piano piece near the remixes end.

"Gateway" starts off slower, taking it's time to build to the beat. It is also the only track without vocals. Without vocals the similarity to 'trance' music seems much more apparent, but it doesn't need them to be a hit. Very spacial / sci-fi in sound with it's use of voice samples and effects, this track is a favorite for myself. Headscan's remix of "Static" seems to contain the orginal song's beat, but stands out with it's attractive transitions to the chorus and soft, delicate effects added in.

With the end of the Headscan remix, we are taken to what I crown as this EP's jewel amongst the others: "Sense". The song is based around the chorus, with very little use of verses. This isn't readily noticed though since the chorus is so damn catchy, and the voice samples chosen in the track tell a story by themself. I wouldn't be surprised to find this song on several DJ's playlists. Even at 7:15, the track seems too short. Thankfully most CD players contain a 'repeat' button to fix this problem.

It's tough to come after "Sense" and keep the listener entertained after such a well done track. Aiboforcen and Implant do a pretty good job though. Aiboforcen's take of "N.E.A.R." is catchy in sound, reminding me of a lighter sounding Funker Vogt. Implant takes "Static" and adds in voice samples reminding me of their "Kmputor" release. The original song's vocals are kept to a minimal, focusing more on the slightly tribal drum beats which are nothing like the originals. A good closing to the disc, keeping the "Dance!" theme going, while also not sounding like a high speed dance track that gets abruptly cutoff by the EP's end.

This EP seems to pack more then most full-lengths these days, and all for less then a full-length. If this EP is any sign of what's to come from Negative Format next and it's new found label Sector 9 Studios, the future is looking bright for both this artist and it's new home.

Information:
Label: Sector 9 Studios
Serial: S9S001
Title: "Static" CD EP
Band/Artist: Negative Format
Site: Sector 9 Studios Homepage which has sound samples. Also see Negative Format's homepage

Reviewed by Bry'n
9.4.02