Soft Complex is a supergroup of sorts from Washington, D.C. And their collective ideas bring the title track of
Barcelona to life; it's a melodic, twisting tune that includes some dance-rock highlights. Lead singer Shane German's voice recalls
New Order's Bernard Sumner. Just as pleasing is the tender, cello-tinged follow-up "Sad Note," that sounds a bit like
Pulp mixed with
the Killers. This above-average ability is also found on the punchy, infectious mid-tempo ditty "Beat the Chill" that seems to fall somewhere between
the Cure and
Depeche Mode with the bass work of Mike Harbin leading the way. But three songs do not make an album, and the remaining five numbers are at best average remixes of the first three numbers. The lengthy "Barcelona (Brooks Harlan Remix)" is rather bland while "Sad Note (A Study in Her Remix)" is almost painful to listen to -- a slow, ambient groove trying to weave itself into the song. A rap during "Beat the Chill (Ace Remix)" is the lone remix which seems to work well. Remixes are okay, but when they comprise more than half of the original material, it seems like a bit of a letdown.
Soft Complex is a very good band, but their talents are diminished on this effort. ~ Jason MacNeil