Rewiev Chain D.L.K
Artist: Chinese Theatre [krister@chinese-theatre.se]
Title: Mirror Mirror
Format: CD EP
Label: self-released
Rated: 
Date: June 06, 2007
Nothing to do with China, this is a new and self-released mimited EP of this Synth-/Electropop duo consisting of Martina Ramstedt (vocals) and Krister Petterson (machines) hailing out of Sweden. We have already discovered them at the beginning of this year with their full-length album "Voices & Machines", which is available thanks to a license contract via Section44, www.section44.com.
This EP therefore can be seen as a kind of remix follow-up because it mainly features both main tracks, "Mirror Mirror" and "I’m Leaving You Behind". As for a music description, CHINESE THEATRE´s efforts aren´t that kind of greasing the ears with some honey – they´re rather inspired by a cold Wave/Romantic style and their tracks remind often to some works of KRAFTWERK, early S.P.O.C.K or the Progress Productions recording artist SYSTEM – only with the difference that the vocals are female-leaded.
This EP consist of 12 tracks plus a hidden bonus track, which is a surprisingly well-done cover on the PET SHOP BOYS classic "Opportunities". The title track "Mirror Mirror" comes in two original works by CHINES THEATRE, plus it got remixed by DJ Slobbe and the old-school EBM act PROTOTYP. The second main track "I’m Leaving You Behind" is the straighter and rather dancefloor oriented track – 2 different original versions and 5 remix works are available. Add to this one more short track "Oh My God (Woman) Robot Voice Edit" and you´ve got the whole content of this EP.
It is conspicuous, that CHINES THEATRE have refused to ask some better known acts for providing some remix works, names like PROTOTYP, ROYAL VISIONARIES or IRANON are rather unknown so far, only FILE NOT FOUND have already entered some international response. As for the remix works I tend to rate the works of PROTOYP on both main tracks as being a more aggressive alternative, also the works of FILE NOT FOUND (have slowed down the mood by adding some layer sounds...), IRANON (have integrated a Harsh EBM feeling to "I’m Leaving...") and ROYAL VISIONARIES (have added different KRAFTWERKian drum patterns and vocoder effects for the vocals...) are quality and flawless appearances. This is a constant good and entertaining EP featuring some promising appearances of some new acts which seem to wait for some more exposure.
Finally I prefer still the original works of CHINESE THEATRE, but at least this proves how well done this EP is. Check back their website for some purchasing info.
Review by: Marc Tater
Rewiev link: www.chaindlk.com