VACUUM STARTING (WHERE THE STORY ENDED) SINGLE SSC, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: MAY 6, 2002 REVIEW: MAY 15, 2002

I didn't know Mattias could sound like this. I thought he was forever caught in that exaggerated theatrical, pompous vocal mood. I'm also beginning to suspect that maybe it had something to do with the influence of Alexander Bard. As he is no longer a member of Vacuum, things sound a lot better. "Starting (Where the Story Ended)" surprises me with its more straight forward mainstream synthpop sound and an incredible chorus. Mattias sounds fantastic, especially in the chorus, where he really blossoms.
The extra track, an extravagant ballad named "Ripples on the Surface", sounds very much like a b-side and is more like older Vacuum. OK, but nothing to tell your friends about. It's the title track that impresses. It just keeps getting better with time.
So, if "Starting" leads the way for the future sound of Vacuum, things will hopefully pick up significantly for Marina and Mattias. Watch out for the 2002 version of Vacuum!

NIKLAS FORSBERG