BACKLASH IMPETUS ALBUM MEMENTO MATERIA RELEASE: AUGUST 27, 2001 REVIEW: AUGUST 14, 2001

I rather hoped that the name of the band was a reference to Nitzer Ebb, but I was proved wrong. This Swedish band does what Sweden is known for within the area of electronic music, namely electropop.
The album opens up with the solemn and quite cosy "Liberation", which has that indefinable something. The woman singing does it well and voice effects have been used tastefully. After the first song, I lose interest along with the drowsy and sleepy tunes that follow - they simply pass me by. Their play with voice effects, and the euro disco beat present in "Alter Ego", are two features I wish they had skipped. In "Visionary Fields", they get back on track, or rather close to the track. The song is pleasant with a certain The Mobile Homes feeling. Unfortunately, someone has once again experimented a bit too much with her vocals. Hey kids, do not press those buttons! Then, when I think and hope the song is at its end, it continues for yet another four minutes with some boring instrumental crap.
"Spirit in Reverse" is a more interesting creation with its distorted drum'n'bass rhythms mixed with electropop sounds, a bit of ambience and female vocals. It doesn't really fit in among the other songs though.
As you probably understand, this album has some qualities, but it also lacks quality in some aspects. Until next time, work a little more on the songs and hire a great producer!

JOHAN ASTEMARK