Dance Hall Putsch
Give/Take, 2024
9/10
The German industrial artist En Esch returns with his first album in 8 years, where a politically charged affair unfolds with a penchant or electronic and alternative forms of music.
The bright “Get Lost” starts the listen with rapid fire drumming and thick guitars, as Vas Kallas lends her ominous vocals, and “I’m So Sick” follows with Mea Fisher’s animated electronica that makes for a beat driven and buzzing climate.
Deeper into the 12 tracks, “Eden” features Gabriel Lennox’s inimitable vocals for the melodic versus biting delivery, while “Wumms” recruits Raymond Watts via the spacey and ambient album highlight that manipulates sound with intrigue.
Landing deeper on the back half, “Yum Yum Beauty & The Nasty Thief” is tailor made for a late night club with its infectious energy and Guenter Schulz’s swirling guitar, and “World Of Deceit” exits with a lush, even pretty version of dance-rock that’s graceful and intimate.
Many will know Esch from his work in the legendary outfits KMFDM and PIG, among many others, and these collaborations with many of his ex-band members and players in outfits like Lords of Acid and Hanzel und Gretyl will leave fans of anything industrial related in awe.