Level 2.0- Dreams of Youth

Artist: Level 2.0
CD Title: Dreams of Youth
Label: Self-Released
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 10-17-05

This side project of New York EBM act Nemesys takes things in a more contemporary, club-friendly direction that at times borders on synthpop. It’s reminiscent of Imperative Reaction’s more recent work: fast and driving, but slick, clean and melodic. “End Process” stands out as one of the band’s best, incorporating progressive trance elements and ethereal sampled strings, while “Monolith” is slower and more dramatic, with lead singer Mike Hoffman’s anguished vocals layered over a thunderous breakbeat. “Prophet” even incorporates some house elements, and although the female backing vocals at first seem out of place, they add a certain soulful funkiness to the track that distinguishes it from the futuristic sleekness that typifies this genre of music. At times, Level 2.0 are a little derivative; instrumental track “Silver Shores” is stirring, but too close to a VNV Nation instrumental with its synthetic gravitas, while the otherwise club-friendly “Machine” is marred by clichéd metaphors and lines like “Machine can’t love/It cannot hold you when you’re down.” Still, this is quite good for a first effort, and their second album – which they’re already working on, according to their website – should be even better as they continue to develop their own distinct sound.

Visit Level 2.0 at http://nemesys-music.com/level20/