FRONT 242 - Re-Boot 98
Songs: 14  Time:  68:509
There was all this hype earlier in the year about a Front 242 reunion tour and the release of a new album.  Well both were true, but unfortunately the new album was simply a conglomeration of older tracks recorded live between late 1997 and early 1998….not exactly what I was hoping for.  On the flip side of things, Front 242 have revamped their sound, injecting them with an abundance of modern techno sounds, so this CD isn't a total waste of money.  In some cases it is nice to hear updated versions of the old 242 songs, but in other cases the new style just doesn't do the songs justice.  Happiness is one instance in which the new 242 sound works.  The chaotic, near break-beat style of this piece drives it into uncharted musical territory.  It would be great to hear a studio version of this particular piece, as I'm sure it would become another 242 classic club track.  Masterhit actually doesn't stray too far from the original, but it does have a slightly modernized beat and some added, squeaky synth sounds.  No Shuffle has been transformed into an acid sounding tech track with various 303 type sounds.  I preferred the classic, original version much better.  The same goes for In Rhythmus Bleiben.  I'm not to fond of the gabba beat that begins the track although it does eventually become overshadowed by a thicker, rolling beat.  The 90's version of Body to Body is a far cry from what the original sounded like.  This version has a surplus of new sounds added into it, including a pounding beat, swift synth patterns, and a variety of fresh and innovative sounds.  By all means they should have left Headhunter alone.  No matter what they do to this track, it can never compare or have near the power of the original.  Punish Your Machine is riddled with flat and staticy sequences and is bonded together with a trippy beat.  Re-Boot is an okay CD, but by no means is it great. Front 242's new sound is difficult to pin down and only when I hear some new material will I truly know if I like it or not.
   
METROPOLIS RECORDS                     Front 242 live are:
P.O. Box 54307                                            Daniel B, Patrick Codenys, Jean-Luc DeMeyer, Richard 23 & Tim Kroker
Philadelphia, PA 19105                             Front 242 homepage:
e-mail: metropol@voicenet.com             http://www.front242.com
METROPOLIS homepage:
 http://www.metropolis-records.com