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The Swedish trio is yet another example of a band which has more than one talented singer and that uses them very Depeche Mode-like. Peter Ehn is the main vocalist and his power lends itself best to the many powerful tracks on "Pulse of Pain" while Jonas Öberg's emotionally brittle voice enhances the moving ballads of the album. The concept may be old, but it inevitably works in Michigan's favour. The start of this, their third, disc is massive. Single favourite "The Nomad" followed by a mid tempo string of pearls in the shape of "Decadence", "Juveniles" and "Valley of Death", all of which are pure dark pop bliss. "Mysterious (Infected World)" is the slow highlight, where Öberg delivers one of his best songs paired with one of his better vocal performances. "Pioneers" is not far behind, however. He is, all in all, a terrific song writer. The sound, while powdered with quite a bit of guitars, remains electronic in nature, sometimes exclusively so and in other cases, like "Hang on" and "Shine in Silver", taking a beack seat to a dirtier rock facade. Michigan's greatness lies in their raw talent, the songs, the vocals, the production. Still, they should maybe try to alter or further refine their sound on future releases. The bursting, unquestionable song power is enough for now, though. NIKLAS FORSBERG Ad:
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