Rocket Science

Pleased to meet you, we came to DROP BOMBS ON YOU!!

     

The opening lyric of Apoptygma Berzerk's "Rocket Science" (from "Weight Of The World") sets the tone for this EXPLOSION of an album! There's A LOT going on here - concepts, lyrics, music (even the cover art), but the complexity of it all shouldn't scare you. In fact, this album contains some of the world's catchiest Electro-Pop songs! It's just that you'll get smarter as you sing along to them!

With an intriguing mix of Cyber retro-synth sounds and crunchy Brit-Rock (a little bit of Goth too), Apop has created an album that shimmers, but is also dirty enough to keep it organic and human. When an album has as many layers and contrasts as this one, finding balance is key, and it's a testimony to APB mastermind Stephan Groth's skills as a musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer that all the pieces in this vast, intricate puzzle fit so perfectly. The blend of dark concepts of government control and societal apathy with soaring, upbeat, and sometimes even pretty melodies is nothing short of genius and executed perfectly.

"Weight Of The World" and "Asleep Or Awake?" are fist-pumping, crowd-pleasing anthems, but with straightforward warnings about an impending Orwellian future and the dangers of a "sheeple" herd mentality. "Incompatible" is a frenzied, infectious, kinetic juggernaut with truly profound stranger-in-a-strange-land laments about the struggles of holding on to one's convictions against a sea of misunderstanding and opposition. The dreamy, beautiful "Butterfly Defect" and the bright, glittery "Black Versus White" have some of the darkest lyrics on the album, alluding to secret mind control experiments and the end of the world itself. Even the instantly accessible single "Apollo" hides more sinister references to faked moon mission theories within its perfect Pop tune package.

Strictly speaking, however, "Rocket Science" isn't a conspiracy theory concept album. Fans of Apop's heartfelt and hook-laden love songs also get treated to the gritty "Pitch Black/Heat Death", the bittersweet "State Of Your Heart" and the eerie and poignantly painful "Shadow". No matter the topic, though, Stephan Groth's lyrics always have an impact, whether it's a stab to the heart or a slap to the brain.

The time, planning, and intensive thought and labour that went into this album is clear throughout, and that care and effort is a reflection of its concepts - the battle to make things long-lasting and worthwhile in a world that celebrates the fleeting and disposable. This is a record pulsing with passion and a desire to to stir souls and open eyes. Again, though, Groth knows how to keep it all in balance, never letting things dip into the dangerous waters of pretentiousness or preaching. "Rocket Science" is definitely a red pill, but not a bittler one. Take it daily, and watch your life change for the better.