Staatseinde’s music calls upon many inspirations, the science fiction dreams of computer music with the longing and romance of wave. The trio comment on the modern world, in their lyrics and their compositions as they challenge audiences and dancefloors. A record in keeping with the traditions of dutch electronic, as the past is revived for a futuristic sound.
The dutch punch above their weight. A small country, The Netherlands has always excelled on a global stage. Electronic music is no exception. Onrijn Records opened its doors last year with an introspective release by Endfest. Following in some very impressive footsteps, the fledgling label is widening its scope as it drafts in the three-man synth collective of Staatseinde.
The group have been active for nearly ten years, with a spread of releases on Enfant Terrible, and have adopted a Kraftwerkian approach with band members. After a slew of changes the number of active participants has been distilled to the three of Der Neo, Andy Dufter and Metzger Pat for Dreiheit.
Racing on biting beats, “Ruimte-issues” speeds into existence. Synthlines beam next throaty vocals in an energy packed opener. Lyrics maintain a strain of abstracted pain in the EBM stained “Panspermia,” a track whose chorus shifts into bright hopefulness. BPMs drop for the sombre shadows and tumultuous calls of “The City.” A number of influences combine to create Staatseinde’s sound. The cold distance of electro and new wave are warmed by a playful chiptune and pop element. This desire to mix and match styles is plain to hear in the punk gilded “Gut Gemacht” with its fizzing beats, vocoder lyrics and video game flourishes. The three-man outfit have a knack for toying with darker shades and lighter tones, the murky movements of “Blaue Augen” coloured by synth quirks and dramatics. The longest track is left until the end. “Glauben” is harks back to the band’s NDW roots, thick strings kept in check by steady strings as lyrics pierce. The finale is, like much of the pieces on offer, balanced, keys floating above the initial thrust.
Staatseinde’s music calls upon many inspirations, the science fiction dreams of computer music with the longing and romance of wave. The trio comment on the modern world, in their lyrics and their compositions as they challenge audiences and dancefloors. A record in keeping with the traditions of dutch electronic, as the past is revived for a futuristic sound.
Dreiheit is available on Onrijn.
