Nitzer Ebb - Showtime

Strong Rebound

This was a CD replacement for my cassette. I also have the albums prior to this one ("That Total Age" & "Belief"). "That Total Age" was a very good industrial album, upbeat strong tracks throughout. "Belief" was a bit of a disappointment. The core sound was still there, but something was missing. I'm not one for slow tracks, & this album had more than its fair share. "Showtime" rebounds to Nitzer Ebb of old. The 1st track, "Getting Closer," sets the pace. if you are a fan of industrial / industrial dance, I recommend "Showtime." February 21, 2007

there are three reasons to buy this album

and they are: 1) getting closer, 2) lightning man, and 3) fun to be had.

nitzer ebb was in the unfortunate spot of being 'industrial' before industrial really took off. in fact, i dare say trent reznor owes a nod or two to nitzer ebb. or nine or ten.

'showtime,' as others have mentioned, really is nitzer ebb's most accessible and commercial album -- and that's not a slight. the success of the three tracks mentioned above were the result of nitzer ebb building on the successes of their earlier singles, 'control, i'm here,' 'hearts and minds,' and the dance floor staple, 'join in the chant.' with 'showtime,' and particularly the three singles (much of the rest of the album really *is* filler) nitzer ebb firmly meshed industrial and dance. it wasn't aggressive other industrial bands, nor was it light enough to be anything *other* than industrial. the opener, 'getting closer' is an all out frontal assault on the senses. the stuttering baseline at the beginning builds the tension before the devouring everything in it's way. it's like a train that starts off slowly, building momentum, before chugging down the tracks. it's a brilliant track, and one that really, really gets the adrenaline pumping.

'lightning man' is an interesting song. if you have a chance to get the 'industry vs. the ebb' mix, do so. it's a more energetic version with one of the most killer synth lines you've ever heard.

'fun to be had,' rounds out the triumverate. it's a deceptive track. it's starts off rather benignly with it's bubbling bass line, and slightly sarcastic vocal (at least in tone). when the song finally does erupt, it's classic nitzer ebb:: adrenaline inducing, pulsating, mesmorizing.

it's amazing nitzer ebb didn't absolutely RULE the dance floors in the late 80s. they really should have. even an opening slot for depeche mode on the violator didn't crack them into the mainstream. fortunately, we still have their music to listen to. even if you're not a 'fan' of the 'industrial' music, you'll most likely find 'showtime' irresistable.



July 22, 2006

My favorite Nitzer Ebb

Maybe it's just the nostalgia factor at play, but I love this album!!! There are so few weak tracks and the tracks all work together really well as a whole. I am of course still in love with "Lightning Man", a full fifteen years after seeing Nitzer Ebb do it live and being blown away by that particular song.

If you're a fan of older industrial music, this album must be part of your collection. It's the law. March 20, 2006

An instant classic

If you want down and dirty 'eine zwei drei vier' industrial, then this may not be the best album to buy.
I love this album. This is Nitzer Ebb in the beginning of thier 'Hey let's sell some records' phase. January 26, 2006

Ebb goes commercial

Every Ebb fan is going to want to have this, fine. And it's a good add into the collection. BUT They took their uncut unsophisticated AWESOME HARD militant sound and turned it into clubby industrial punk. Enjoy with stale smoke and boredom in goth clubs. December 19, 2005

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