| PROXY
KNOW MY NAME ALBUM ENERGY RELEASE: APRIL 19, 1999 REVIEW: JUNE 21, 1999 
"We're on the road to nowhere...". A famous line from a famous song. A line that perfectly describes the existence of mankind, but unfortunately also tells us something about the musical direction of the Swedish duo Proxy. Their semi-electronic pop lacks the character of the bands serving as an influence to them. Bands including Depeche Mode, New Order, Garbage and The The. The problem lies foremost in the singer's impersonal and typically synthpopish voice, but also in the quite interesting production. They try - but it ends up in some kind of dull grey area between synthpop and regular pop. And you really don't want to be in that area. Because with this type of music, Proxy will most likely fail to attract synthpopers as well as any other kind of popers. At the same time you discern a distinct touch of competence somewhere. Like in the heavily Electronic-influenced "Time Stop" and vaguely funky "Stronger". But much to often "Know My Name" is somewhat tedious. ERIK ALMGREN |
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