VARIOUS ARTISTS SEPTIC IV ALBUM DEPENDENT RELEASE: JANUARY 26, 2004 REVIEW: MARCH 11, 2004

Dependent's interesting "Septic" series has reached number four now, and as usual it’s an album filled with new EBM and futurepop acts blended with more well-known bands.
No really big names can be found this time, if you don’t count Seabound or Run Level Zero. The latter presents a freshly baked song from the upcoming album, and it shows that Hans has learned some new tricks. A very promising glimpse of the new material. Another interesting name to keep track of is Standeg, with amongst others Björn Jünemann, formerly of Haujobb. Dark and brooding with a slick, modern and refreshing soundscape. Autoaggression contributes a suggestive piece in the form of "Blau", with smooth ambience over a relentless beat.
Most of the stuff here is aimed at the dance floor, where it will do wonders, I suspect, and this compilation gives a good indication of where the scene is these days. Unfortunately it also shows that a lot of the bands coming up today have too few good ideas, and sound a lot like someone else.

JOHAN CARLSSON