For more than two decades, De/Vision members Steffan Keth and Thomas Adam — have been captivating fans of electronic pop music. Over this span of time, the — band has released 10 albums, gone through lineup changes, experime... more »nted with
styles, and written a slew of enduring pop classics. Hot on the heels of the critically
acclaimed album NOOB, the boys from De/Vision have once again emerged from
the studio with all new material. Working together with their favorite producer team,
Schumann & Bach, the new album is a worthy addition to De/Vision s musical
legacy. Seamlessly moving from danceable tracks such as Flash of Life to the
slower, lyrically driven Be A Light To Yourself, Popgefahr is a well-rounded,
For more than two decades, De/Vision members Steffan Keth and Thomas Adam
have been captivating fans of electronic pop music. Over this span of time, the
band has released 10 albums, gone through lineup changes, experimented with
styles, and written a slew of enduring pop classics. Hot on the heels of the critically
acclaimed album NOOB, the boys from De/Vision have once again emerged from
the studio with all new material. Working together with their favorite producer team,
Schumann & Bach, the new album is a worthy addition to De/Vision s musical
legacy. Seamlessly moving from danceable tracks such as Flash of Life to the
slower, lyrically driven Be A Light To Yourself, Popgefahr is a well-rounded,
cohesive album.
"Never been a De/Vision fan of any degree, and I own most of their previous material. But NOOB, on the other hand, is quite good! And am I the only one who references World of Warcraft with the name "noob"?
Anyway, where do I begin? NOOB seems to follow more closely in the tracks of DM than previous attempts. Okay, maybe I'm assuming they want to sound like Depeche Mode...but it's true. Maybe I should say: "you can definitely hear heavy influences of Depeche Mode in NOOB". I guess the question is, who's not influenced by Depeche Mode?!
Now that that's out of the way, De/Vision has made vast improvements: the production of NOOB is excellent, every track addictive and is not your run-of-the-mill elektro CD. The synth programming/playing is very creative and vocals aren't at all annoying as they, well, could have been in previous albums (and for any De/Vision fans, please don't take offense). Not unlike Depeche Mode, that classic hollow-body surf sound is weaved in and out of the music, most notibally on the first track "What You Deserve". The songwriting is well written as they are not too predictable and are diverse from themselves in tempo. Holistically, the album is laid-back and mellow as there's not much dance beat with the exception of "Life is Suffering" and "Love Will Find a Way".... and there are a couple of other up-beat songs.
One of my synthpop favorites! I will highly recommended NOOB to any nub or veteran to elektropop.
"
Playing it safe (and that's not a bad thing)
R O C K E T | The Twin Cities, MN | 09/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, on Noob the guys play it pretty safe...but they clearly prove that that's not always a bad thing. With the previous handful of albums, the band seemed eager to mix new ideas and sounds with their signature synthpop sound (with mostly successful results). Now they have opted to abandon their experimental itch in favor of the tried-and-true. Although it's classic in structure and mood, the sounds and production are modern enough that it doesn't sound retro. This album will unite fans old and new.
There are thirteen tracks. No stinkers, no filler. My absolute favorites are "Deep Blue," "The Far Side of the Moon," and the DM-esque "What You Deserve." Not far behind are "Nine Lives," "Obsolete," "Death of Me," and the new version of "Love Will Find a Way," which I think might surpass the original version that appeared on last year's "Best of" album. My least favorites are "Living Fast Dying Young" and "The Enemy Inside," which are good musically, but weaker than the others lyrically.
The overall atmosphere of Noob isn't as dark or gloomy as albums like Void, Two, or 6 Feet Underground, but not quite as light as Devolution or Subkutan. "Flavour of the Week" is possibly their happiest song ever and "Life Is Suffering" has a surprisingly positive chorus. On the other hand, "What It Feels Like" may be one of the most aggressive tracks they've ever done, while "See What I See" sounds like a brooding Martin Gore track circa the late eighties. Basically, there's something for every mood.
At the moment, I'd say Noob sits right alongside 6 Feet Underground as De/Vision's best, followed by Subkutan and Two. If you're totally new to De/Vision, Noob is a great place to start, as it's the band doing what they've been doing so well for so long.
"
See what I see
E. Anderson | 01/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot pretend to say that I am an expert on De/vision's music. I have only heard a few of their songs here and there over the years and always liked their brand of synthpop. With the group coming into town next month, I knew it was time for me to start checking out their music seriously. I decided on NOOB. For me, I thought NOOB was an excellent introduction to De/vision. It is pretty impossible to not hear the Depeche Mode comparisons through out the entire album. I enjoy the gentle, lush synth beats and the warm vocals of Steffen Keth and Thomas Adam. Every song on the album is wonderful however I must say that I am particularly fond of the ballad "Deep Blue" and "Love Will Find a Way" which sounds like you could have heard it on a recent Depeche Mode album. There isnt a single song on the album that I did not like. NOOB may not be everyone's idea of a good De/vision cd to start off with for new fans but for me I think it was an excellent introduction to the band."
It's Back To Basics - Sort of.
Wayneman | California, USA | 09/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After several years of re-inventing themselves, experimenting with various elements from different types of music (which I personally really like), De/Vision have decided to turn back the clock, slightly, to create a fresh new-old sound.
On 'Noob', they have re-introduced the crisp beats and programming which made them so successful in the first place. Was this a calculated decision to win back alienated fans? I don't think so.
The thing I respect most about these musicians is that they have never catered to what others thought they should do artistically. They've always gone their own way, popularity be damned.
'Noob' is an absolutely amazing album that flows beautifully from track to track, and while I don't think the band is trying to win back old fans, so much as they are simply doing their own thing, this album will impress old fans and newer fans alike.
I would say this album can be placed stylistically between 'Fairyland?' and 'Monosex' in that it isn't as "plastic-pop" as 'Fairyland?' nor as "progressive" as 'Monosex'.
But it must be noted that 'Noob' is not simply a retro-sounding synthpop album. It possesses much in the way of future pop and electroclash, which lends credibility to the fact that this is an album for 2007, not 1996 or '98.
To the songs: 'Noob' contains more dance-floor-friendly tracks than De/Vision has had on one album since 'Fairyland?' and they are all incredible. "Flavour of the Week" the album's promo single, isn't real deep lyrically, but is a hard-pumping club tune which, surprisingly, doesn't get old. "Living Fast Dying Young", a song about youthful decadence, has a killer chorus, and the Noob version of "Love Will Find A Way" is more electronic in its presentation than the original, which lends to it a fresher approach. "Life Is Suffering" is my favorite club-friendly track, with its provocative lyrics and relentless beat.
There are no real slow songs on 'Noob', but there are a couple of beautiful and dark, contemplative songs which I absolutely can't get enough of. "See What I See" is a very dark plea, finding Steffen's vocals at their best. My favorite song on the entire album, as of now, is "Deep Blue". Wow! Think "Scars" from 'Fairyland?' meets "Heart-Shaped Tumor" from 'Two'. It's simply a haunting, beautiful song.
The mid-tempo songs are excellent as well, the best being "What You Deserve" and the anthemic "The Far Side of the Moon", both of which incorporate strong lyrics and some electroclash elements.
"Nine Lives" is a melodic tune which may be considered one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album. The same might be said of "Death of Me". "The Enemy Inside" is an excellent closer with a dark , but ultimately uplifting message.
In a class all its own is "What It Feels Like". While not possessing an extreme tempo, the beat on the verse is irresistable as it stomps through your head, leading to a melodic, yet self-confessing chorus. Truly a gem among gems on this album.
Bottom line: "Noob" is hands-down the best electronic/ synthpop album of 2007 and may be De/Vision's best. There are no weak tracks here. Fan interest in the States seems to have lessened of late, and I'm here to spread the word. If you're an old fan who may be sceptical, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to De/Vision, then welcome brothers and sisters.
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1
