Blackmail – Tempo Tempo

Releasedate: 28-03-2008; Label: Universal
By: Nina Mende

Blackmail is a German indie rock band from Koblenz, Germany which was started briefly in 1993 by singer Aydo Abay, brothers Kurt Ebelhäuser (lead guitars) and Carlos Ebelhäuser (bass) and drummer Mario Matthias. Their style of music usually varies, but mainly consists of the indie rock genre which is combined with experimentation of electronic music, progressive rock, alternative rock and dance. It is also known for its harsh and high-pitched guitar melodies.

Now their new album Tempo Tempo is out, and I have it. Blackmail has its own style of music. I guess I would call it psychedelic pop which is actually rock against mainstream, Blackmail calls it indie and I call it Blackmail. Ok, I guess now you all are totally confused. But well, what can I say, Blackmail has its own style of music, slightly reminding of bands such as Placebo, The Vines or The Hives. The new album has very much guitar in the songs, and the sound as well as the melodies is very complex, so it never gets boring. The voice of Aydo reminds of Brian Molko’s voice in a way. “Mine Me I” is a gorgeous song because it has a great mix between fast and slow, quiet and loud. A very complex song which is really interesting to listen to. But that is also quite typical for Blackmail. It’s a groovy album that will definitely make you move and impress you in one way or another. I don’t have a favorite on the album yet, but maybe that will come when I see them live.

Tracklist: 1. False Medication 2. Mine Me I 3. (Feel it) Day By Day 4. The Good Part 5. It’s Always A Fuse To Live At Full Blast 6. Shshshame 7. Speedluv 8. U Sound 9. The Mentalist 10. Swinging Exit Pleasure 11. Pas de Tristesse 12. So Long Goodbye 13. The Sensualist 14. Tempo Tempo

Links:
Blackmail Official
Blackmail MySpace