Search - Nukleon :: Earth Rising

Awesome synthpop!

existenz | Los Angeles, CA | 09/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great music, vocals, production, etc. However, the one element that places Nukleon firmly ahead of the synthpop pack is the lyrics. Sometimes witty, sometimes sincere, they're never less than innovative, insightful, and intelligent. There's no German/Swedish-style broken English to be found here, just masterful lyrics that match the big guns like Marc Almond or Neil Tennant. Imagine a high-energy synthpop version of Morrissey and you'll get the idea. Buy and enjoy!"

Amazing Debut!

Ian R. Wilson | Charlotte, NC United States | 05/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Throughout the CD's entirety you find yourself teleported from Morrissey-esque vocals in 'Lucky' and 'Infidel', to the Alphaville melting pot of 'Escort', and the unmistakeable tinge of New Order in 'Lines'. Do the smooth vocals in 'Sometimes' sound like Camouflage? Can I hear the fusion of Echo & the Bunnymen and New Order in 'Reason' and 'Jane'? The cunfusion! I don't know what to do except to put the CD back in and do it all over again, and again!Then a cloud breaks, unearthing the epiphany that 'Earth Rising' stands alone! The musical influences are unmistakebly there, but it is completely Nukleon and a shining example of why electronic music is a drug - It drags you back (ever willingly) for more of it's hypnotic pulsing and your quench is never thirsted ... Um, your thirst is never quenched!Breaking with traditional reviews. I'll continue with artist comparisons simply because it is easy for most people to understand comparisons.The album storms out with 'Mars', a seering synth anthem infused with vocal cuts of travel to mars. It hits with the intensity of an anvil dropping on your head! The only possible flaw is that it is probably a little longer than it should be, but that's just a personal preference of mine, Otherwise an outstanding example of modern synthpop. 'Lucky' bounces in with a throbbing synth bassline as Morrissey's ghost lends a hand in the vocals. Oh, that's Dan Burke, not Morrissey, sorry. I can be forgiven for getting lost in the lush Smith-like vocals because the song is as flowing as some of their best work, and their influences are lavishly strong. That said, the song is otherwise completely Nukleon in every way. A thoroughly damned good song!'Escort' sees Nukleon changing direction with a simple bassline and a percussion track a little out of tune with the rest of the album. Is this bad? Noooooo! The song has that old traditional 'hook' that keeps you coming back for more, but without a catchy melodic synth in sight. Weird, but Dan pulls it off anyway. One can be forgiven for thinking this song belongs somewhere else - the vocal style is sometimes freakishly close to Alphaville, but the similarity ends there. Once again Dan manages to resurrect the ghost of an old favourite, Alphaville, in this song, while still managing to pull off a completely original hit. I won't even attempt to explain what I mean by that, so you figure it out yourself.'Infidel' starts out with a completely fake marching drum, which I personally don't enjoy. It might have sounded better with the real thing, but then that just wouldn't be in keeping with the album, which is everything electronic. A driving bassline chimes in and the song is on the move ... and doesn't stop! Spurred on by 9/11, it's no wonder this songs keeps driving forward without a break in sight. Very catchy with a seering synth lead that annoyingly stays in your head after several listens. Okay, 'annoyingly' is the wrong word, but I think you get the picture ... you won't forget this song quickly.The album moves along with 'Sometimes', and this is where Nukleon explodes into the stratosphere. Emotional. Deep. Saddening. Depressing. Hopefulness. Hopelessness. Pick an adjective and you'll find it somewhere in this song. An extremely moving track, somewhere between ballad and dance. Yes, ballad and dance! It is a completely unforgettable masterpiece! This is definitely a favourite on the album.Out jumps 'Homewrecker' in a revamped version of the original. A throbbing bassline with driving synths keep the song intense throughout. My only gripe is perhaps the vocal snippets at the beginning which don't seem to fit in with the song, at least not for me. The volume control is a little off in places and is noticeable where the kick drum comes in at the beginning. Not a huge gripe and for the most part very tame, but sometimes I get picky. This version is immeasurably better than the original so kudos for that, and Morrissey pops his head in again near the end. :)'Lines' slides away a little from the rest of the album and you feel an air of New Order creeping in, both in the vocals and song structure. It's not immediately catchy in much the same way as a New Order song usually isn't, but quickly grabs hold after a few spins.'Reasons' sounds like something I have heard somewhere before, by the Doors or Echo. Well, the vocals have this Doorsey feeling to them so I can't help saying that. The music in this song departs completely from the rest of the album but still manages to fit in. I loathe to say that it sounds orchestral in parts because that would probably throw a few people off. So, let me say that the song is completely synthpop in every way, and then go on to contradict myself by saying that it sounds orchestral. If you've ever heard Blancmange's 'Waves', you'll probably understand what I mean. Excellent!'Jane' is another reworked Nukleon song which, although very enjoyable, is difficult for me to give an objective opinion on. The original version is so ingrained in my head that an objective opinion is almost impossible for me - I simply prefer the original's endearing, untamed rawness. One thing that carried over from the original is the missing bassline. It seems a little weak, leaving the driving beat to carry the momentum on its own. That said, the song is still enjoyable.'One More Day' surpasses the majesty of 'Sometimes'. Beautiful, melodic, and completely immersive, with lyrics that many can identify with. The message of complete hopelessness, depression and darkness is contrasted by the pleads of spurious hope and light at the end of the tunnel - that silver lining that often needs to be blatantly thrust into one's face. The song is melodic, flowing, and absolutely amazing! Majestic!7 Minutes into 'One More Day', a hidden instrumental gem appears. A few vocal snippets burble everyday terms in a robotic tone, but otherwise the song is an imaginative instrumental done in an Alphaville style. Ahhh, the secret to those vocals I do know, but will never tell. Then, just as you start enjoying the song, it ends! Oh well, nothing a quick stop-play on the deck can't sort out!If Nukleon is not in the minds of every lover of electronic music out there, it will be a crime. Truly enjoyable, truly memorable, and worth every cent."

Great new C.D!

Britton Snyder | Salt Lake City, UT | 04/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This C.D is great! I heard about Nukleon through the internet and have been a fan of his music for a few years, waiting for the first album to come out... I would definately tell anyone who likes great techno-pop music (like Erasure, or maybe even Morrisey) to pick this up. Nukleon is my new hero and musical savior!!!!!"