This is the debut release for the new US-based label Dark Past Communications, which will soon return with debut releases of their represented artists. Musically almost all acts turn into the Synth-/Futurepop-genre, at times with some tendencies into EBM or Goth. 10 tracks are available here provided by 7 different acts, the already known act LEVEL 2.0, plus SINCOGNITO and ANGEL CRISIS can provide two tracks out of their repertoire. I miss a bit some details on each band with contacts, links and credits, but unfortunately there isn’t a real cover available. However, the already mentioned LEVEL 2.0 opens this comp with their new track “Far Away”. They are a bit longer active in this business and this can be well recognized through more maturity in their textures. There’s experience behind their compositions, even if the male vocals are sounding a bit too rough to fulfill the perfect Futurepop-kind. SINCOGNITO follow and they offer female-leaded vocals to known and mostly already discovered sounds. “Ever Mary” is a decent mid-tempo tune, while the second of their tracks, “Obsession (Save Your Love)” ends in a fiasco, because of the misplaced female singer, which totally gets out of tone. BLACKMAIL MUSIC follow and have to fight with that often heard failure of not offering a capable singer - unfortunately also TED CIKOWSKI lacks of the same problem, while I tend to rate the music as being acceptable. Nevertheless both acts could need some polishing and help on the production. ANGEL CRISIS then are the third act with a double-play and the mood provided through their tracks turns into grief. Maybe the renowned act PRIDE AND FALL have had a depressive influence on them, while they can’t nearly rival with the Norwegian giant. Although offering cliche-filled lyrics, they’ve got some useful ideas, while also they could be any better with some experienced help on the production and also the vocals. Coming then to the winner of this compilation, the already known project PULSE STATE with “Innocence”. A debut release is slated for 2008 and this act has already caught some attention thanks the placement at several forums and communities. Refreshing sounds, catchy bass and synth lines, good male vocals – well, this “Innocence” is an innocent reference for all featured artists here – some of the above mentioned can learn from it. Since both acts, LEVEL 2.0 and PULSE STATE, can look back on some more experience in any kind, the label Dark Past concentrates to offer dedicated US-based acts a new home to publish a professionally pressed CD. Some of the featured acts here have to be rated critically, nevertheless there seems to be some promising potential for this label. Wait and see what will come...

TRACKLISTING
01. Level 2.0 - Far Away
02. Sincognito - Ever Mary
03. Blackmail Music - Die With You
04. Angel Crisis - Fallen Angel
05. Pulse State - Innocence (United Mix)
06. Softcore - External
07. Ted Cikowski - Servitude
08. Level 2.0 - Intercept
09. Sincognito - Obsession (Save Your Love)
10. Angel Crisis - In My Dreams