FUNKER VOGT – Revivor

It’s no secret that last Funker Vogt album barely survived scorching critics. Yes, it needed a revival. We are used to getting at least 3-5 hits per album, so something had to be done. Icon Of Coil, Unit 187, XPQ-21 and others were called in to help. Reanimation went well, we have in front of us fresh, energetic and innovative release.

Ironically, the first place on “Revivor” is taken by Flatline. Winner of remix contest, it certainly deserves that spot – this version of ‘Final Thrill’ sounds great, like it was made by Funker Vogt we use to know. That band (champions of “Maschine Zeit”, “Execution Tracks”…) is responsible for couple of reworks and rearrangements (‘Lügner’ and ‘Compulsions’) that also sound great. After latest Fictional album //link//, I was afraid that we’ll never enjoy active, rolling FV again. Well, I was wrong.

Even if their reworks were unsuccessful, this release is still packed with amazing work. Let’s take ‘Faster Life XPQ 21-remix’, for instance. It takes great courage and skill to dismantle the original track and insert completely new and different rhythm section. Product? Apollo 440/ Prodigy type of guitared Big Beat. Amazing! I don’t like to repeat myself //link//, but Jeyenne IS a god.
Dance Or Die add just a touch of class on ‘Prisoners of War’ and it is enough for a good song. Also with minimal cosmetics, Haujobb and T.O.Y. reshaped ‘Stolen Thoughts’ and ‘ Red Queen’. Well, the latter needed a liposuction and complete makeover instead.
Icon Of Coil? No makeover necessary for the Norwegians, right? I read somewhere that when they do remixing, they dance and jump all around the studio – lot of reasons for it on ‘History (Timeless Decay Mix)’ believe me! And in clubs also!
Winner of remix contest? Unit 187 with their ‘Unit’s Bad Eggs Mix’ of ‘Date of Expiration’. Loved the Vancouver School Of Industrial graduates’ totally redesigned version. It is a proof that even without fifth gear steamrolling you can make an excellent FV track. Masterfull, superb,excellent 7 minutes!

This release has certainly revived my hopes and trust in Lager II crew. Too bad we didn’t get this much good music on their ‘parent’ album. I hope I’m not going to pay twice again ( original+ remixed tracks) to receive my usual dose of Funker Vogt’s quality work.