Piston Damp is a synthpop duo from Norway/Denmark consisting of Jonas Groth (known as keyboarder in Apoptygma Berzerk and as being Stephan Groth’s little brother) and his friend since childhood, Truls Sønsterud.
The Netherworld starts like an old school 80’s New wave track, slowly building it up. It’s a good start.
I'm Losing You (A New Tale) is a catchy synthpop track, this time more up-beat and chorus driven, and with a sound and a beat that is sure to be a winner in their booked and upcoming live gigs in Sweden and Germany, of which there are many! I have a feeling this is simply their best track ever! I really love it and makes it hard to stand still! This song really makes me want to see them on stage!
To My Knees brings in sweet vocals (close to Robbie Williams), some kind of modern minimal wave, nice guitar play and simply a great global sound.
Revolve is a slow synth pop track with sweet sounding vocals. Might be something for Valentine.
Blue Fields is a short intermezzo.
Waste is another slowly going up synth pop track. I love the beats, I you pump it up a bit it might even become a club hit!
Downfall has a good tempo, the right sound and should become a single too! It’s one of the better songs on this album.
Now You Know is another soft synth pop track with a cheesy side.
So Much To Like (Too Little To Do) is a slow retro New Wave track with a synth that sounds a bit funny.
Sacrifice is overloaded with a melancholic/electronic way. The vocals come pretty close to R. Willams (known from his hit: Angels or his part in the boys band: Thake That).
Down, Pt. 3 is a minimal wave interlude.
The Day Of Departure starts slowly with an 80's synth pop feel. it's a semi sad and melancholic song.
Well it’s not bad for a second album (hence the title). I was just hoping for more up-tempo tracks and maybe even one or 2 club hits. I think my expectations have been a bit too high after I caught up with great single’s. But again: this is the beginning and I noticed enough good stuff here, so I’m sure it will all be fine in the near future!
All songs mixed by Magne Johansen, Piston Damp and Stephan L. Groth
Emilie Aurora Groth – additional vocal harmonies on ‘Downfall’
Stephan L. Groth – vocoder recording on ‘To My Knees’ and ‘Down, Pt. 3’ Truls Kristian Nygaard – additional lead vocal on ‘Sacrifice’
Kaja F. Pettersen – cello on ‘Blue Fields’
Ted Skogmann – additional percussion on ‘To My Knees’
