KRAMM COEUR ALBUM SYNTHETIC SYMPHONY RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2001 REVIEW: JUNE 13, 2001

If I had known this was what Bruno Kramm kept to himself during all his years with Das Ich, I would have sought him up and punched some sense into him. "Coeur" is more melodic, rhythmic and easy on the ears than Das Ich. With borrowed excerpts from both VNV Nation and Apoptygma Berzerk, Kramm adds his strange, characteristic German lyrics and ends up smiling. At least he should, 'cause this is fantastic stuff!
To hear Bruno Kramm sing and sing like this is something of a shock, to be honest. And he actually can sing.
"Coeur" is exclusively electronic with one, glorious, exception. A forthcoming single choice if it were up to me. "Ich ahne dich" is raw power. Electronics, guitars and a perfectly contrasted blend of vocals. Anne Wagner of, in my opinion, underrated pop band Obsc(y)re helps bringing "Ich ahne dich" to impressive heights.
Most of the tracks on Kramm's first solo album are upbeat and club friendly, whilst the mentioned "Ich ahne dich" and the final track "Ragnarök", a song reminding me of the softer side of Wumpscut, are somewhat slower.
Not being a Das Ich fan, my initial expectations were quite low. As it turns out, though, I ended up with widened eyes, sweat running down my forehead and an urge to tell the world about "Coeur" as soon as possible.

NIKLAS FORSBERG