Funkstörung - Disconnected

It's a shame that Michael Fakesch and Chris De Luca have disbanded after seemingly reaching a peak with their 'Disconnected' album. As has already been said some will dislike this album for its vocal content, but what this album exudes is a more commercial sensibility. For me, the duo sold out to some degree in making this album more mainstream. The more uplifting cut-up hip hop style of 'Chopping heads' and 'Fat Camp Feva', for me, stand out among the sombre and in places somewhat depressing melancholic vocal tracks. Incidentally, 'The Zoo' has been used to accompany Channel 4 (tv station) logo sequences.

Funkstörung adds a fascinating new texture to their tracks on DISCONNECTED: vocals. The mixture of crispy electronics and rather earnest singing makes for an extremely engaging album. “Cement Shoes,” for instance, wavers between plucked strings and the abstract tones Funkstorung is better known for. They also aim for slower and more considered melodies, as on the interlude “The Zoo” or with Louise Rhodes’ fragile lyrics on “Sleeping Beauty.” Their love of hip-hop is still evident on “Chopping Heads” and “Mr. Important,” but these tracks fade in comparison to the strength of “Captured in Tones.” A surprising change in direction, but still on the right track.

I believe that there will be a lot of people who will dislike this vocal album of Funkstorung. But I am also sure that all these people will fell the harmony and quality. You can hear clearly in Disconnected that Chris de Luca & Michael have been searching for themselves and now they have finally found what they want and how to succeed it.