In Strict Confidence has been providing a creative voice in dark electro for years. Their previous release, Love Kills!, both embodied and helped define what this vein of gothic-touched electro had to offer. Mistrust the Angels is not just more of the same. Mistrust the Angels is a more assured release, with all the musical talent of In Strict Confidence rendering the hard-edged and dramatically sweeping electronica to perfection. This release is nothing if not polished, experienced, and engaging. When In Strict Confidence isn't composing another predestined club hit with this method ("Herzattacke"'s driven synth line and solid beats fulfill this fate), they are performing in another area of their forte -- creating a new sense of the gothic electronic melody (such as "Au Milieu des Anges"' smooth female vocals that glide with delicate synths and stab over electronic washes, which could be played by a string section). Because In Strict Confidence is made up of veteran performers, expect Mistrust the Angels to tour between these poles throughout the album -- it's a good mix of feeling.
Comparisons to Love Kills! are easy because Mistrust the Angels is very similar in style. This difference is double-edged. Where Love Kills! was a fresh new creative stance, Mistrust the Angels is a re-creation of this sound -- practiced, technically refined, and familiar. Mistrust the Angels arguably never seems to hit the heights of Love Kills!, such as "Kiss Your Shadow" or "Stern." On the other hand, it is a more mature release, being more consistent in terms of both execution and theme -- a solid, well-defined release that should not be missed.
© Theo Kavadias /TiVo