CHILDREN WITHIN FREEDOM OF CHOICE ALBUM ENERGY RELEASE: FEBRUARY 29, 2004 REVIEW: MARCH 10, 2004

There was an exaggeratedly lively debate about Joakim Thureby's vocals back in the nineties. I was one of those who couldn't really understand where all the complaints came from. Supposedly, Thureby was not able to carry a tune or pronounce English properly. I think most of the people who were pissing and moaning back then would actually feel the same way today, but they are missing the point. Not only does Thureby sing as good as most synthpop "vocalists", but his characteristic style gives Children Within their persona. If anything, it fits perfectly with the dance driven electropop that is "Freedom of Choice".
Children Within, while sometimes poorly produced, have always written some of the most catchy melody hooks in the synthpop genre and their comeback is no different. In fact they have never sounded better than on this, their third proper, album. Updated sounds, updated production, same great song structures. The track "Where Are You" basically says it all as it captures the essence of Children Within. Listen and be enlightened. A dud here, a dud there, but "Freedom of Choice" is a great comeback from a band that deserves its place among the best on the melancholic synthpop shelf. "Clay in My Hands", the mentioned "Where Are You" and "Spotlight" (wasn't this supposed to be a single, by the way?) only make out the tip of the "Freedom of Choice" iceberg. As it melts, so will you.

NIKLAS FORSBERG