Ultranoire have just released their second album Intronaut. This release sounds like the perfect sequel to Disclosure. Even though they offer the recognizable Ultranoire sound, this album presents some deeper and darker atmosphere. It is synth pop for some more reflective moments. As the title suggests, I really feel it as an invitation to introspection. Ultranoire’s work relies on some 80’s electronic music influences you can hear on both albums. However, they really sound contemporary at the same time. I can’t feel much nostalgia for past times. It is devoted to both the old and the new generation of synth pop fans.
The album doesn’t offer many uplifting moments. It is a rather melancholic, utterly atmospheric and highly emotional piece of work. We can hear the great melody and arrangements from the first track, “Technicolor Lies”. Minimalistic beats and emotionally painted melodies and refrains characterize the first half of the album. Josef’s following the idea vocally and his performance is making this album the complete whole. The idea of melancholy and deep feelings is completed with his flawless and very expressive vocal performance. While the first half of the album evokes some memories of more contemporary synth pop acts like De/Vision and Mesh, instrumental track “Spukhafte Fernwirkung” really reminds of Kraftwerk. After this “intermezzo” they return to the album’s core idea. “Wild” is the only track that would fit well on the dance floor since it offers some more rhythm. However, the atmosphere remains. “Private Cosmos” comes close, although I feel it is more a home listening material, as is the rest of the album. They present the ambient instrumental track “Introsphere” near the end. They close the album with “Nothing To Live For”. The track summarizes what this album really stands for: emotion, reflection, deep thoughts and feelings.
