ÜBERCODE OUVRE

Abstract and intense are the arrangements and sounds of "Übercode Ouvre", the latest from Panzerballett. Tis a very jazzy yet heavy album with jaw dropping musicianship, and I never thought I'd hear vocal growls on "Ode to Joy". Yes, the Beethoven song. The angelic vocals soar but, at the same time, the changing rhythms transform a song about joy into something more creative than you'd imagine. There is art above my comprehension happening on this release and I dig it! The killer drumming by Marco on this track is the ode to joy. Other faves... "Alien Hip Hop" is a fresh arrangement of Virgil's tune that shreds big time... how is this level of drumming possible? It seems drummers shine on this album. "Andromeda" is initially a mellow original tune of Jan's but, I should know better and always expect a menacing ending. "Pick Up The Pieces" is a funky upbeat mess that should have you groovin'. Another standout is "The Devil's Staircase"... it goes a long way through tricky changes and humorous steps. Hell, apparently I enjoy all this album.