Review Summary: that's one small step for Neuroticfish, and one giant leap for futurepop kind.
Futurepop is meant to sound like this. Although an idiosyncratic comment considering how many albums and bands, genre-wise, are dreadfully same-sounding, this one does not fall to the same fate. Sure, it has the typical and prominent cold synthesizers, depressive lyrics, loud beats, etc., but Neuroticfish takes this formula and makes it interesting. Still, you might wonder how he did such a task. The answer is much simpler than presumed, for it involves one concept –fun. Through my futurepop travels I’ve heard all kinds of synthesizers all employed in various ways. However, In
Les Chansons Neurotiques, Neuroticfish chose the best method of serving synthetic goodness. I would say “eat your heart out VNV Nation”, but VNV Nation is an incredibly consistent and solid act – apparently Neuroticfish is as well. Keep in mind that the band is the product of only one man, so everything seems much more impressive with that knowledge.
When I mentioned that the album is fun, I flirted with a loaded statement. Then again, this is still a futurepop album, and in albums of that genre, synthesizers reign supreme. Therefore, what generates the fun is the method in which synths are used, and boy are they used. The synths within are purely silly. Apparently not geared to promote either cheer or gloom, they bounce along playfully and carefree. I mean, why not? “Why the heck not” could sum up the entire album, actually, as Neuroticfish breaks out of the genre’s box and demonstrates substantive, measurable skill. Important, though, is that it’s not boring or even unique, yet it still stands tall. You would think futurepop’s synthesizers would promote a convivial atmosphere, but in reality they are often specifically adopted to augment darkness and depression. Not so with
Les Chansons Neurotiques. He seems to assume that the lyrics and vocal style can carry mood sufficiently, and I tend to agree.
After explaining how Neuroticfish fractured the genre’s bothersome commonalities, I find it quite ironic that it still feeds the machine. It’s still your typical futurepop music, there is no way to avoid the fact, although he does dodge around it. With masses of bewildering synthesizers and initiative, the music is entertaining at worst, and truly stands out at best. It may never grasp the heights of Solitary Experiments’
Mind Over Matter, but it is doubtful that any futurepop album will. What it does right, though, is showcase addictive, melodic synth lines, and that’s good enough.
