NewVember: "Meanless & Breathless"

Demo CD-R

Hoping to make their mark among the plethora of German synthpop artists are Christoph Haase & Michael Pallin (not to be confused with the Monty Python guy, obviously!) collectively known as Newvember. `Meanless & Breathless` was recorded during 1999 & was the band`s first foray into the market & to be honest, it shows. Whilst the 5 songs here all show potential it`s obvious that a lot of work is needed to cure the tinny production & poor vocal performance. The slower tracks such as the slightly trancey `Insanity 99` fair slightly better than the faster opener that is `Tell Me Why` although under better conditions the quirky feel of the music might be more appealing & is a facet the band ought to stick with. Some genuine emotion permeates the ballad-like `Mornow` &, to a lesser extent the downbeat, restrained `Ninety-Three` which proves that talent was not the band`s problem but in this case, facilities or perhaps inexperience where their achilles heel, a feeling borne out by the punchy closer `Breathless (Trance Mix) where the need for more work is obvious.

Carl Jenkinson