EDGE OF DAWN
ENJOY THE FALL
ALBUM DEPENDENT, METROPOLIS RELEASE: MAY 3, 2007 (EUROPE), MAY 5, 2007 (USA) REVIEW: MAY 16, 2007


Edge of Dawn have been around a lot longer than most people think, nearly ten years. Now a working unit thanks to Seabound's Frank Spinath, we have been given their debut album, preceded a few months ago by the EP "The Flight (Lux)". "Enjoy the Fall" is the kind of release which would have fit perfectly back in the late 90:s but isn't so relevant these days. I've a hunch several of these tunes have been languishing on various hard drives for quite some time.

Compared to Seabound, Edge of Dawn almost fit the profile for pre-millenium "electro" projects. They'd have been right at home on any number of labels back then (I'm going with COP Int'l for the win). This is a very high profile release for the Dependent label and it'll please the fans of that label, of course; I'm not so bedeviled by this act or their slick production values.

Spinath, obviously, sings in much the same manner as he does in Seabound but the music is far more linear. I'd hesitate to call this a club approach but it's very tempting to do so. Edge of Dawn are much like the mint you consume after a lush dinner, initially sweet with hints of bitterness and a minty finish designed to close the evening. In the harsh light of day, this pop confection does not hold up even under indirect scrutiny.

But rejoice Seabound fans, here's something else to buy which has Frank's deliciously debased lyrical content strewn all over the place. I suppose if you just view the music as a vehicle for delivering his words, Edge of Dawn take on a new depth beyond the somewhat dated musical stylings which hold it back from being truly memorable. It is no "Double Crosser", however. Purists may wish to await the next offering from Mssrs. Spinath and Vorbrodt instead.

PETER MARKS

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