CLAN OF XYMOX NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND ALBUM PANDAIMONIUM RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 REVIEW: OCTOBER 16, 2001

Since the last Clan of Xymox album "Creatures", expectations were set high for the follow-up. "Notes from the Underground" has now arrived, and it's almost in the same class as its predecessor.
The album begins with the very strong "Innocent", which has obvious Depeche Mode influences. When I say Depeche Mode, I am not talking about their last pathetic effort, but their prime time in the late eighties. To notice the change and the more electronic sound is easy. "Innocent" really is a pearl and clearly a potential club hit. After that, "I Want You Now" follows and this one is also a catchy piece of music reminding me of Depeche Mode as well, not only because of the title.
There is a melancholic layer surrounding the entire album and sometimes I come to think about the album "Hidden Faces", which probably is the Clan of Xymox album most similar to this one. "Notes from the Underground" is more even, but the best songs on this album doesn't reach the same level as on the previous albums. There are some really great songs here, but the overall impression is somewhat diluted by some other songs. These aren't that interesting, although they are all right. When it comes to Clan of Xymox, "all right" is not enough. The conclusion is that this is a great album, but they could've worked more on the songs.

JOHAN ASTEMARK