Colony 5- Fixed

Artist: Colony 5
CD Title: Fixed
Label: Storming the Base
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 7-2-05

Colony 5's latest album is, to put it simply, the best synthpop record I've heard in god knows how long. Catchy, full of old-school analog charm, yet sounding completely modern, it's so well put together you can't help but bounce up and down to the drum machine and sing along with the vocal harmonies. True, Colony 5 do seem to have a bit of a Depeche Mode fixation, but try and think of a synthpop band that doesn't. Besides, "I Know" and "Symphony of Hope" sound less like actual Depeche Mode songs than what Dave Gahan and friends would sound like if they were still interesting. The more upbeat songs are even better than the moody slow ones; "Fusion" sounds a bit like a modern Erasure with its catchy vocals and perky keyboard arpeggios, while "Like Leaves" is high-speed progressive techno with emotive vocal harmonies. "Misery" adds trance atmosphere without sacrificing the beat, while the broad political themes and piano-laced epic feel to "A New World Arise" should feel familiar to fans of VNV Nation. The vocals are great as well; the lead singer's timbre is a bit like Dave Gahan's - of course - but he sounds energized instead of tranquilized, and there are some beautiful harmonies on "20th Century Plague" and "Fallen Star." Play this CD with the volume turned up and see if you can stop yourself from dancing.

Get your fix at www.colony5.com.