A promise kept
Album facts
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Label: Dependent Records
Tags: Beborn Beton, Synth Pop
Discogs: Beborn Beton – Darkness Falls Again
Partially sounds like: Depeche Mode, Mesh
Final score: 4.1 stars
Matching album cliches: 0 / 7
Today, we'll be diving into the latest release from the renowned synth pop act, Beborn Beton. After much anticipation, the band has finally delivered on their promise to keep the wait between albums shorter, with their latest offering, 'Darkness Falls Again', coming only 8 years (instead of 16 years) after their previous album 'A Worthy Compensation'. That's the half of the time between the preprevious album. From a mathematical point of view, fans can expect the next album in 2027 (wink smiley). But for now, let's focus on the present and explore the latest sonic offerings from Beborn Beton.
The tonality gets darker
My Monstrosity: Beborn Beton kicks off their latest album 'Darkness Falls Again' with the emotionally charged 'My Monstrosity'. This bold move to start with a depressing ballad may come as a surprise to some, but for longtime fans of the band, it's a welcome choice. From the first note, it's clear that the band has taken a darker turn with this album, and 'My Monstrosity' sets the tone perfectly. The brooding, almost haunting melody is held together by the mournful vocals of lead singer Stefan Netschio. The song builds slowly, creating a sense of unease that grows with each passing moment.
As the track progresses, the strings come in to add an extra layer of melancholy, but even they can't lift the song out of its dark depths. It's an uncomfortable listening experience, but one that shows the band's willingness to take risks and explore new emotional territories.
Dancer In The Dark: The second track 'Dancer In The Dark' is a standout track on their album, 'Darkness Falls Again', and it's no surprise that the band chose it as their lead single. The song is a midtempo gem that's perfect for the dance floor, with an infectious beat and a catchy chorus that remiscents me back to the band's classic 'Nightfall' album from 1996. BTW: 'Nightfall' is one of my favourite albums by Beborn Beton and an absolute recommendation.
The vocal melody of the chorus is particularly noteworthy and it's clear that the band has put a lot of thought and care into the structure of the song. It's a classic 'Beborn Beton' chorus that fans will instantly recognize and love. But 'Dancer In The Dark' is more than just a catchy dance track. The lyrics are introspective and speak to the theme of darkness that runs throughout the album. It's a perfect example of the band's ability to craft pop songs with substance and depth.
And you feel like a dancer in the dark
When you see that the world is turning
We will all be like dancers when
Darkness falls again
Lyrics from 'Dancer In The Dark' by Beborn Beton
Last Chance: If you're a fan of electro rock and synth pop, then 'Last Chance' is a track that will definitely catch your interest. The song kicks off with a raw and edgy intro that sets the mood for the rest of the track. The tempo is dialed back, giving the song a more introspective and melancholic feel. What really sets 'Last Chance' apart are the gritty synth sounds that are sprinkled throughout the song, especially in the drops. These sounds give the song an added level of intensity and depth that will grab the listener's attention.
There are mountains, so are valleys
Trockenfallen lassen: As a listener who speaks native German, I find it hard to appreciate German songs, including 'Trockenfallen lassen'. The song feels like a sequel to 'Eisplant' from the 1997 album 'Truth'. While it's a decent ballad, it lacks the unique qualities that make it stand out from other tracks on the album. Overall, it's an average song that may appeal more to Non-German-speaking listeners.
I Watch My Life on TV: The second single 'I Watch My Life on TV' is a bit more unwieldy than 'Dancer In The Dark'. As I listened to the song, I found myself struggling to fully embrace the song at first. However, with repeated listens, I found myself getting more into it. The synths on this track are fantastic and the band really shows off their versatility in terms of sound. While I am really enjoying the song now, I do question whether it will stand up over time as a memorable piece on the album. Overall, 'I Watch My Life on TV' is a solid effort from the band with some great musical elements, but it may take some time for it to fully resonate with listeners.
Electricity: Beborn Beton's 'Electricity' is a synth-pop gem that stands on its own despite sharing a name with the OMD classic. This track is a perfect example of the band's knack for crafting catchy melodies and danceable beats. The song opens with an irresistible synth riff that immediately draws the listener in. From there, the driving rhythm section and pulsing bass create an undeniable groove that will have you moving in no time. The chorus is a particular highlight, with its sing-along lyrics and infectious melody.
This is forever
This night is forever
I believe
We love for the obvious reasons
Love me now
Lyrics from 'Electricity' by Beborn Beton
Despite its midtempo nature, 'Electricity' also features introspective lyrics that add a layer of emotional depth to the song. This balance of fun and thoughtfulness is a hallmark of Beborn Beton's songwriting, and it's on full display here. 'Electricity' is a standout track on the album 'Darkness Falls Again'. It's a perfect example of what makes Beborn Beton such an exciting and engaging band, with their unique blend of synth-pop hooks and introspective lyrics.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Burning Gasoline: Let's talk about 'Burning Gasoline'. The track begins with an intriguing speech sample that says: "God is dead, we take its place". I can't confirm if this is a nod to Friedrich Nietzsche, but if you have any insights, feel free to let me know in the comments.
Returning to the song, its high energy and powerful delivery is unmistakable. Trained listeners will appreciate the subtle presence of 80s-style synth sounds in the background. In fact, this song reminiscent back to the era of the 'Tybalt' album with its raw and metallic sound, and the use of voice samples from iconic films. The band successfully executes a brilliant tribute to the past.
I Hope You're Not Easily Scared: Beborn Beton's final track, "I Hope You're Not Easily Scared," hits hard with an industrial edge in the intro and first verse. The tone drastically shifts in the chorus, offering a sense of liberation and weightlessness. This song's live performance is guaranteed to leave the audience breathless with its explosive drops. It's a perfect ending for 'Darkness Falls Again,' showcasing the band's range and ability to surprise.
Verdict
With only 8 tracks, some might question whether 'Darkness Falls Again' is a complete album. However, the absence of any gap fillers is a plus point. The songs are consistently good, and fans will be happy to know that the deluxe edition offers two more tracks – 'Religion' and 'The Day Before Everything Breaks Apart' – as well as 6 remix versions. Of particular interest to me is the Piston Damp remix of 'Dancer In The Dark'.
Overall, 'Darkness Falls Again' is a fantastic album that comes highly recommended. The band has delivered great music, and we eagerly anticipate their next live show. Thank you, Beborn Beton, for your dedication to your craft and for continuing to push the boundaries of electronic music.
Track by track rating for: Beborn Beton – Darkness Falls Again
