Haujobb - Vertical Theory (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Not as good as I first thought.

J. Rayne | Salisbury, MD United States | 10/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like Polarity, this album had me gripped at first. It's got great music, good vocals, and some catchy lyrics at points. However, now that I've been exposed to Haujobb's earlier (and better) albums, especially their mid-career works (Solutions, Matrix, and '99) this albums seems to be a bit less of a masterpiece. Now, don't get me wrong, it's still a great album,
but now I can recognize its flaws. A good portion of the tracks seem to blend together into a single kind of sound that's not bad, but not exceptional. In fact, that basically describes the entire album -- not bad, but not their best work. Still, the album is very good, but it's not as good as it should have been."

Daniel Myer's "Thriller". A masterpiece, and a classic!

glommy glom glom | 04/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Upon the first hearing of "Freeze Frame Reality", I fell in love with Haujobb. When I first heard "Vertical Theory", I didn't like it. It sounded too much like VNV Nation, which I don't like.
Having gone back and listen to "Homes and Gardens" and follow Myer's vision, I realize that he is a true artist. "Vertical Theory" is full of real songs. While the lyrics aren't great, one gets a sense of his creativity and knack for the groove.
Did anyone else catch the Vincent Price-like rap in "Metric"? Its like straight outta "Thriller"!
Hearing "Polarity" now, after hearing "Vertical Theory", it makes me think that either Myer has vastly improved his vocal performance, or he discovered Antares Autotune (Its probably the latter).
The fan in me says, "This is a work of a true artist and has reached a maturity in musicianship that could only come from being a real music lover( Deftones, Coldplay, etc.)."
The cynic in me says, "Finally, Myer got laid!""

Not to expectations but what do u expect after "Polarity"

shockj2000 | 05/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess you hear one of the best albums ever and you expect the next to be up to these standards or better. This is the case with "Polarity" I was so blown away with this album that I never thought the next album which I highly anticipated could be less than that. This is an excellent album as all are still, but not an absolute favorite. I think the original penetration song should have been included instead of a remix but who am I. Still you have a great mix of industrial beats and dark erie vocals with a slightly less urban dance sound to be good enuff to achieve that audible high your looking for. I'm such a fan I hate to rate this a four but probably suits the album grade."

Vertical Progression

Shadowcast | Ohio | 11/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Introducing Haujobb, one of the few innovators and original musicians in a genre known as EBM (Electronic Body Music). If you are familiar with the genre however, Haujobb needs no introduction. One of the few EBM outfits to bring together successfully elements of minimal electronica and mature ambient, Haujobb turns a stale, dancefloor-ridden style into something interesting. There's just as much here for Aphex Twin and Gridlock fans as there is for the ravers.

Each successive Haujobb album grows more mature, experimenting in one direction or another. Vertical Theory is a culmination of Haujobb's past, and a welcome step into the future. That is the beauty of this group; they provide something with their distinct sound, but choose not to grow stale, repeating territory they know.

Vertical Theory, in specifics, brings together the danceable grooves and futuristic textures found on their last album (2001's Polarity) with the minimal drum'n'bass and lush ambience of NinetyNine. The first track, "Renegades of Noize", is somewhat standard Haujobb territory, danceable with nice atmosphere. "S.adow" is a move in the right direction, a dense landscape of synths and pads, hard rhythms, not to mention some suprisingly catchy vocals, an oddly beautiful track.

Next up is "The Noise Insitute", starting us off with a quirky synthline and distorted 4 on the floor dance rhythms. One thing's for sure though, Haujobb's 4x4 beats are never boring; they never stagnate. There's always something new going on, some new rhythmic element. Whether it's a tweaked clap, an odd distorted sample, or a slight offset of the kick, there's no boring "boom boom boom boom" here.

Skipping ahead with the tracks, "Claim the Planet" and "Faith In Chaos" are the highlights of the album. "Claim the Planet" has an off-kilter synth section, backed by stuttery rhythms and Myer's vocals vocoded and slipping over top the crystalline atmospheres. "Faith In Chaos" continues, with an emphasis on interesting rhythm and noise, before a more up front beat pattern comes crashing in, startling you with its immediacy. Myer's vocals are also electronically aided in this track, plenty of distortion. The track builds to a climactic chorus section, stating "deal with the demons....the last man on earth doesn't know he is alone, doesn't know it is his fault...."

Overall, this album is an excellent release for Haujobb and their forward-thinking progressive electronic sound. Similar to this release is the album by Myer under the Architect moniker, called "I Went Out Shopping To Get Some Noise".

"

Excellent 4.5

jelliusbeanus2 | 07/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album took a few listens to grow on me, but it now ranks as my second-favourite haujobb release (just behind ninetynine).The lead-off (Renegades of Noize) is one of the strongest tracks ever put down by Samardzic and Myer, and the syncopation in 'Claim the Planet' is simply stunning.I look forward to their next full-length studio release. For those intrigued by the remix album 'Vertical Mixes', I say to you that unless you are a die-hard fan, don't bother."

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CD Details

CD Reviews

	Haujobb Vertical Theory Genres: Dance & Electronic, Alternative Rock, Pop Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 Renegades of Noize S.adow The Noise Institute A Terrifying Truth Metric Concrete Slide Platform Claim the Planet Faith in Chaos Penetration (Fuck the Floor)
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