Search - Front 242 :: Still & Raw

They're back, and it's great...but agonizingly short.

D. Lopez | Albuquerque, New Mexico United States | 04/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Front 242 lover since I can remember (at LEAST since the Official Version days), I obviously went nuts when I heard this was coming out. Of course, I also tried to balance my enthusiasm, though, with the realization that it's been 10 years since last we heard truly new material from F242, and the band had likely changed quite a bit (just listen to the Male Or Female project of Codenys and Bresannutti). Interestingly, though, Still & Raw doesn't set out AT ALL to blow you away with some new, radical direction. Instead, it's very simple, well made, straight-to-the-point electronic music that keeps itself grounded very much in the late 80s/early 90s industrial scope, but doesn't sound at all dated or out of phase with the directions the members have been going in. Scathing reviews have scorched this EP for the fact it's "nothing special", but I disagree. It isn't screaming "LOOK AT ME TOO!" trying to one-up all the new, name-brand bands out there in the industrial/electro scene. Instead, the lack of wild beats and super-intensity (like the UP EVIL/EVIL OFF days) is almost a comment on expectations and such. If the music must be compared to something previous, the tracks seem to fit in perfectly with the Tyranny For You days, but even then, there's some new spirit here. The collaboration between members seems up to par, and it's nice to hear J.L. DeMeyer's voice set to these electronic ruminations again. It's a satisfying EP that really allows F242 to be reborn again. Ignore the hype and flutter over their "first work in 10 years"...instead, expect some good electronic music from some of the best in the industry who don't have to conintually change their image or be "sp00ky" just to remain interesting."

They have returned....

deus diabolus | Wichita, KS | 04/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It wasn't until I came across an interview with Daniel Bressanutti and Patrick Codenys (the two electronic powerhouses that form the foundation of the legendary Front 242, with vocalist/lyricist Jean-Luc De Meyer and percussionist/vocalist Richard Jonckheere (aka Richard 23) completing the unit) that I realized what I liked so much about this EP of new material (and what I always liked about the group in general). In the interview, the two point out that what the group was trying to achieve for the new album was to recapture the feel of their earliest, rawest material while at the same time giving everything a more modern viewpoint. Basically, everything that has defined Front 242 is still there, but much more informed by time and experience now. The songs are very subtle, dark, and rhythmic, but at the same time suggesting a complexity of design and assembly that is characteristic of their music. The bubbling, pulsing synth lines are moist and menacing, and J.L.'s unmistakable vocals are enhanced and modified in ways that will make certain other producers take sledgehammers to their vocoders. If you've never heard Front 242 before, I would actually recommend starting with BACKCATALOGUE, but this EP wouldn't be a bad place either (to start, that is). If you ARE a fan...then you're probably only reading this to see what people are saying about it because YOU HAVE IT ALREADY, DON'T YOU?Welcome back, guys. We were starting to worry there for a while."

First new material in ages

Jay M | Dublin, Ireland | 01/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a quality EP showing a slight change in direction for Front 242. It's almost melodic at times with piano and keyboard motifs, but don't let that make you think that Front 242 have become passified by time, their music may have lost it's noise, but it's still edgy and scary.Jean-Luc DeMeyer's vocals are more expressed and melodic than ever before, it's like he is actually singing now, much more than before where he sung with venom and anger to express the bands points of view.'7Rain' is an excellent song with a low, rolling bassline allied to a tight electro beat. DeMeyer sings smoothly throughout it and the piano keys that wash over it are some of the most beautiful effects that 242 have ever done before.'Still and Raw' is a top-notch return."