Front 242 - 05:22:09:12 Off

An unusual album by Front 242, the band's two singers were not directly involved in its construction. It is, however, first-rate electronic music with remarkably creative programming and flawless production. It features a female singer (Christine Kowalski), another surprise for longtime Front 242 fans. Her voice is wrathful and distorted on "GenEcide" and "Modern Angel," longing and resentful on "Crushed"--a touching song about loss and isolation. Menacing drum sounds and an enigmatic chant propel the portentous "Serial Killers." Intricate percussion patterns and sweeping synthesizers make for some of Daniel Bressanutti and Patrick Codenys' most memorable programming, particularly on "Animal," and the remixes "Junkdrome" and "Skin (Fur Coat)." --Mark McCleerey Amazon.com

Real rhythmic power

"Off" is an album I initially had mixed feelings about, due to the addition of Christine Kowalsky, whose vocals are punky, angsty, and obnoxious, and whose lyrics are occasionally quite cliched and cheesy. She isn't the only major difference between this album and classic 242, however; "Off" is definitely a stylistic switch in many ways.

First of all, the album is basically designed to function as one big long flowing 70 minute dance mix, with few obvious breaks between songs and plenty of reprised ideas. Although 242's music was always made with the dance floor in mind, on "Off" they pull out all the stops and switch into full-on rave mode, incorporating acid and trance bass-lines and arpeggiated synth lines left and right. I wasn't expecting this, but luckily they prove themselves damn good at it.

The production on this album is amazing. The psychedelic effects and general "huge" feel of it just keep sounding better and better as you turn up the volume knob. The beats will get you dancing almost instantaneously, even if you've never been to a rave before and are enjoying the music in the solitude of your bed room. Those who complain that 2003's come back album "Pulse" is too mellow and generally lacks life are likely referring to this album as proof- and while I love "Pulse", it's true, the difference is instantly obvious.

The album is full of beautiful synth noise. It actually forms into coherent singable melody far less often than on other 242 albums, but that doesn't seem to matter with the style they're pursuing here. The perfect example is the wonderful, blinding, vibrant, shining wash of "GenEcide" (likely my favorite track).

Typical 242 maintains an almost clinical, stoic maturity, owing in no small part to the personality of vocalist Jean Luc De Meyer. This is completely gone on "Off". It is not a mature album, emotionally or lyrically, and is full of no-holds-barred intensity. I am now able to appreciate Kowalsky's violent vocals, as they compliment the rhythmic energy of the album perfectly, although I almost considered knocking off a star for her overly simple lyrics (example: "Just get away, get away from me, 'cuz I'll never be what you want me to be!"). In the end, she doesn't make this album any less enjoyable, so I can't give it any less than a 5 star rating. She is actually fairly versatile as well, and when she decides to use a cleaner, more melodic tone, she sounds lovely (like in the aforementioned "GenEcide").

In conclusion, very few if any electronic albums can match "Off" for sheer rhythmic power and atmosphere. If the cheesy lyrics don't bother you (and they no longer bother me), this album is one hell of a ride from start to finish, especially if you play it loud. There are no weak tracks, and every song has something valuable to contribute to the whole. Oh yeah, and the version of "Melt" (from "Up Evil") on here is even better than the original, which was great.

Highly recommended for fans of Front 242 or any dance-oriented electronica, although the things that make this enjoyable are different than in other Front 242 material. 5 stars. July 15, 2008

Perfect blending of Industrial and Techno/Electronica/Etc.

Not 100% Industrial, and definitely not 100% Techno, this is an amazing recording. I have always loved NIN, early Front 242, Ministry, some Skinny Puppy, and a bit of Front Line Assembly, but THIS work takes the cake... amazing... I remember buying this when it was first released and expecting the same old Front 242 attack... wow, was I surprised.... female vocals for starters, but also a new sense of continuity and VERY cool synth/sample work... it will ALWAYS be one of my required listening CD's... Highlight: GenEcide... just listen to it. June 21, 2005

05:22:09:12 Off ~ Front 242

This was the second album that was released in 1993 and it is one of the best ebm albums ever recorded. I think that it was a very bold decision to go with Christine Kowalski as their lead singer instead of their regular vocalists. The end result is nothing short of astounding and stupendous. Kowalski adds a new element and edge to a band that needed some new blood and new ideas at the time. The lyrics are some of the best the band has ever written and they are not as obtuse and confusing as on some of their earlier releases. The sounds selected are nothing short of amazing and the vocal treatments sound awesome. This is such a great album and I personally think that it is Front 242's magnum opus. May 11, 2005

Really hard, really innovative

I always had a hard time deciding which of the two innovative 1993 albums from 242 was better. At first I prefered this album, but then I went back to liking the more laid back 'Up Evil' album better because of all the complex layers it had.

But despite, this album is the harder & stronger big brother of 'Up Evil'. The lyrics are loud & driving with distortion filters. I think 242 really paved the way on vocal filter innovation here.

I see this album as a MUST HAVE for any real industrial fan. While 242 isn't as commonly known as NIN because their lack of a Top40 hit, I would say 242's music is much more complex than NIN, if not always as catchy.

1. Animal (Cage) - great slow intro (I don't rate intros)
2. Animal (Gate) - 5 stars
3. Animal (Guide) - 4.5 stars
4. Modern Angel - 5 stars
5. Junkdrome - 5 stars
6. Serial Killers Don't Kill Their Girlfriend - 4.75 stars
7. Skin (Fur Coat) - 4 stars
8. GenEcide - 3.75 stars
9. Crushed - 5 stars
10. offEND - great soundscape (I only rate songs)
11. Animal (Zoo) - 4.5 stars
12. Serial Killers Don't Kill Their Boyfriend - 4.25 stars
13. Happiness (More Angels) - 4.75 stars
14. Crushed (Obsessed) - 4.75 stars
15. Melt (Angel) - 4 stars (sounds a touch like older 242)
16. Speed Angels - 5 stars September 30, 2004

Almost as good as

I bought both of these back in 93',pretty good,but I think Tyranny For you was Front 242's best to date. September 30, 2004

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