BOYTRONIC LIVING WITHOUT YOU SINGLE STRANGE WAYS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 23, 2002

I have often wondered why so called synthpop connoisseurs so categorically have rejected the second edition of Boytronic. In the mid eighties, when the original line-up of the band, with Holger Wobker on vocals, decided to call it quits, the name was taken up by two other lads, Hayo Panarinfo and Bela Lagonda. They recruited the help of English vocalist Marc Wade and managed to record two fantastic synthpop albums, "Love for Sale" back in 1988 and "The Heart and the Machine" four years later. I'm not saying I don't like the first two classic Boytronic albums, especially "The Working Model" which holds some of my all time favourite tracks like "Luna Square", "You" and "At Last". I just oppose the fact that Boytronic, as a band, is forever and exclusively connected to their first efforts.
The brand new member list of the band should please fans of both Boytronic constellations. Original singer Holger Wobker teamed up with keyboardist and studio wiz Hayo Panarinfo and eventually sealed a record deal with Strange Ways after thorough searching.
"Living without You" surprised me at first, built as it is on pompous, multi orchestrated elements. Blockbuster movie strings, electronics and electric guitars are all fighting for the listener's attention. It's emotional and catchy at the same time with Wobker's trademark vocals in the foreground. Among the remixers on the single are Ronan Harris (VNV Nation), Fairlage (Neuroticfish) and DJ Ram. Also included on the standard single is an analogue piece of melancholy called "A Tune Called Emotion". The limited edition single of "Living without You" offers even more remixes, most of which are more experimental. It does contain the best remix though, the one made by Finns Ural 13 Dictators.
The Boytronic of 2002 is in no way revolutionary, but there seems to be a tradition of great song writing in whatever members decide to use the name. The full-length album, "Autotunes", arrives late October.

NIKLAS FORSBERG