SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PROPAGANDA – PLUS 5

PROPAGANDA
PLUS 5
BUREAU B

Propaganda’s latest release, Plus 5, is a very interesting and well-constructed release, that is on one hand very techno, and on the other, quite chill and relaxing. Ralf Dörper (keyboards) and Michael Mertens (percussion) create music that is an interesting combination of Alan Parsons Project and Enigma (with some Kraftwerk thrown in to keep things interesting).

The EP opens with the “Not Good For You” and some vocals right off the bat. It is a beautiful song that flows nicely into the second song, “Solace In Sin”, which takes the listener into another reality.

The far-too-short “Thunder Bae – World Out Of Joint” follows with some vocals and incredibly melancholy piano/keyboard. It is almost meditative, but the strong melody keeps it very interesting. The same can be said for “Thunder Bae – I Feel Mysterious”. A sprinkling of vocals interplay with the moody and chill music to produce an otherworld soundtrack. The EP comes to a close with the dramatic “The Calling”. This song is the perfect ending to Propaganda’s excursion into the more ambient side of electronica.

Plus 5 is a brilliant addition to Propaganda’s last release. The songs are different, and do not really fit with the album, so the EP is understandable. This is not entirely a new direction for the band, but it is a welcome one. Propaganda could release two albums a year, each from different genres and that would make for extremely interesting listening. Plus 5 is a perfect EP for the chilly nights ahead.

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