Comprised of Alexander Braun and Manfred Thomaser !distain (formerly distain!) is a synthpop duo based in Munich, Germany. Since forming in 1992, !distain has made several albums and Eps; their sixth release, On/Off dropped this past May on Echozone. Over the years, their sound has evolved from straightforward 80s inspired synthpop to the more refined Euro-pop that we find on the latest album. While !Distain is definitely in the mold of bands like Lavantgarde and Endless Shame, they create an irresistable barrage of hooks and wall of melody (with a dose of Depeche Mode thrown in for good measure) that bears a unique stamp.

Overall, this was a good record- there is no dearth of infectious melodies and shiny hooks- half sung in english, the other half in german (100%, Monokultur); it starts right away with 'The Sixth Floor', a song that sets the tone for the rest of the album: poppy compositions infused with just enough angst to be considered dark. Next up we have the first single 'Mein Weig', this has a bass line and driving beat that calls to mind Wolfsheim. Its moody verses giving way to an airy, gorgeous chorus. On/Off also closes with an electro remix of 'Mein Weig' that I really enjoyed, and felt gave the original an added punch.

The highlight of the record is 'What Do You Want From Me?'- featuring guest vocals from Swedish artist Tess Fries, this song deals with the familiar themes of betrayal and lust. The interplay between Fries and Braun fits quite well together, backed by 80s inspired synth lines and a chorus that would make Anything Box blush. 'Values of Trust' deals with similar topics: “your voice, your face, your smell, your lust- are no longer values of trust”; the bass line and progression of the melody reminded me especially of Lavantgarde, but again, the group keeps things interesting enough to sound distinct. 'Together' is a dramatic, romantic track fused with instrumentation and vocal melodies that will make those Wolfsheim fans out there take notice.

A constant theme in Braun's lyrics are that of the contrast between religion and hypocrisy. On the moody, rock-tinged 'Second Coming' he sings “From Europe to America white carried Jesus really far/ spread the holy word around- Jesus o lord did you like the sound?... Unchain yourself now.” On 'My God' he sings: “Music is my god- harmony is my religion.” Another bright point on the record is the second single 'Why (Bootlicking Hypocrites),' an ode of sorts to 21st century corporate slavery. This song's chorus itself is a figurative middle finger, with Braun singing: “Why don't you just- just shut up? Why don't you stop that crap? Why do you have to fake it? Why don't you just fuck off?” Not in recent memory do I recall a chorus with such a message sung in as sugary sweet a manner. It is an addicting, beat-driven song dipped in acerbic wit.

I suppose the problem with this record is that there's nothing really new here; but !distain doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, they just have to keep their trademark sound and giving synthpop fans exactly what they want-something they do expertly on 'On/Off.' If you liked previous !distain anthems like 'Sex and Cross' or 'Synthpop Girl' you will find much to love. Even if it is a bit typical after awhile, On/Off is a fun album full of catchy melodies and dancey numbers welcome in the collection of any synthpop fan.