The Klinik* – Plague

Took me three decades to play this record at home. Since i heard the 808 programming on cassette at first i was heavily impressed. The synths and vocals just finish the dark mood perfectly. On top of that The Klinik produce an excellent audio mix. The overall feeling is not only dark but also very difficult for most people to digest. Dare to beat the plaque.

This is one of the few Dirk Ivens era Klinik albums I actually like. Not sure what bores me about the others, I just don't find much interesting in stuff like Face To Face and Black Leather. Those just seem repetitive and forced. But thats just my opinion, take it or leave it. There are some good singles like 'Memories' or 'Black Leather' by themselves tho.

THIS album actually succeeds in being entertaining, Ivens actually sounds menacing and the songs are engaging. Even the eight minute opener 'World Domination' doesn't drag on like you would expect. 'Murder' is more direct and criminally short, 'Pictures' is nothing short of terrifying. Yes, the electronics on this one have not aged well at all, but it works to add a creepier charm to the album. I like to queue this on the Ipod and take a walk thru the weeds in the dead of night, the stars and old utility poles looming over me. It provides an entertaining atmosphere.

Oh yeah, they seriously need to release this by ITSELF on its own disc. I'm not sure who's dumb idea it was at Antler Subway to slap it on as bonus tracks on the "Time" cd. If anyone does give this a proper re-release, I'll gladly shell out the money for it.