Artist: PNDC & Housework
Label: Ammonite Records
Release: 2009
Rating: 3.8/5
Belgrade composer PNDC has teamed up again with Greek lyricist, singer and guitarist Housework on Secondhand Language. The two have worked together before, and this time their collaboration has once again borne plenty of fruit.
The duo’s sound mostly rests on PNDC’s skills, and he’s one of the best at what he does. It’s mainly repetitive electronic motifs and effects, but you can also hear quite a few “organic” keyboard parts (piano, for example). I’d describe the music as dark electro pop with a dash of new wave. The guitar, often front and center, brings a more rocky feel. I also catch influences from Sisters of Mercy, Cure and eighties pop, while the main ingredient is modern electro pop that’s anything but cheap (like some Moby), leaning more toward electro art pop. That it’s more of an art thing becomes even more obvious once you hear the considerable number of excellent instrumental passages.
PNDC builds excellent, deep layers of sound, using keyboards and assorted effects. At times the effect is downright superb, because the sheer scale of the music is seriously impressive. On guitar, his Greek buddy helps bring his ideas to life, showing a real feel for melodic guitar lines. His vocals are interesting too, and above all varied. On a couple of songs they’re joined by Greek singer Marina Skiadaresi with her clear, angelic voice.
Secondhand Language is way more than a solid piece of work, and one that’s hard to pin down to a single category. Critics mostly write about the album as if it were electronica, but you can also hear plenty of eighties pop, new wave, goth leanings (at times it even pulls a bit toward Sisters of Mercy) and more. If you’re after quality electro pop with plenty of dark elements, make a stop at this album too. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
Lineup
PNDC – instruments, Housework – vocals, guitar
Guest: Marina Skiadaresi – vocals
Production
PNDC
Track list
1. At My Door
2. 30.000 feet
3. Animal Farm
4. Shut My Soul
5. Pilots
6. What’s The Harm
7. Lost Message
8. The Buzz
9. Goodnight
10. The Fix
bonus tracks
11. 30.000 feet /remix Laurent_/
12. Shut My Soul /remix Harold Nono/
13. Goodnight /alternative mix/
