Thanks to babacar of U2tour.de and TheLarryMullenband forum who posted the following translation on TLMB earlier today. The original review is in German by Bjorn of U2tour.de who was given the opportunity to do a pre-listen to the new album.
babacar says--
For those of you who speak german, there's a review of the album from one of the U2tour.de admins.
http://u2tour.de/news/article3806.html For those who don't, here's my rough translation:
No Line On The Horizon
The opening track is a clear statement- this record is different. Roaring guitar sounds, a jaring bass. Bono shouts, his voice scratches and only later becomes more melodic. The chorus comes surprising and is carried by Edge's voice. The middle part is slower and classical U2 before the track paces up again. The guitar in the ends sound like Lady with the Spinning Head.
An atmospheric dark song that leads U2 in a new sound world and that leads the way for the album: More rock, more atmospheric sounds and more varied singing.
Magnificient
Magnificient starts with loud Drums, Loops and Riffs that hunt each other before Edge's classical Guitar comes in. First word is the title. A very melodic song, maybe on of the best on the album. But also one that would have fit on the early albums or even on Achtung. A great finish ends the track we know as beach clip 4.
Moment of Surrender
One of the slowest songs. Slow dropping beats with a Fez influence start the track. Strings and Keyboards start before Bono joins in with a "broken" voice. Parts sound like the Passengers before Edge supports Bono during the chorus with his falsetto. A dark, multi-layered song with an impressive guitar solo – and an ‚Oh-Oh-Oh’-Chorus.
Unknown Caller
Birds,atmospheric noise and Keyboards lead in Unknown Caller. The song is marked by exciting breaks in the sound structure. Nearly completely sung in two voices, the chorus is "Restart und reboot yourself" and brings a key moment that describes the album: "I was lost between the midnight and the dawning". Another great guitar solo, dabbling Keyboards... "Escape yourself and gravity". known as beach clip 1.
I'll go crazy if I don`t go crazy tonight
One of the shortest tracks. Carried by Larry's drums and melodic guitars. The atmosphere partly recalls "Sometimes you can`t make it on your own", while the end clearly sounds like "Ultraviolet". The lyrics are very politicalt: "There`s a part of me that wants to riot" - "Every generation get's a chance to change the world". Possible single.
Boots
We know that one.
Stand up comedy
No track shows better the influence of Jack White and Jimi Page. Stand Up Comedy seems to come directly from the 70s and could be on the soundtrack of "Across The Universe". A rocking track and another possible single. Edge is on fire.
Fez – being born
First minute consists of electronic sounds only - a phone ringing, a "Boots" sample - then the song starts. Classical Edge guitar and Keyboards start before Bono comes in - bumpy, then more melodic. Partly the band sounds as raw and fresh as in the early 80s. The middle part reminds of Depeche Mode's classical synth sounds but the guitar is still leading the way. Vocals are rather rare on this track.
White as snow
A quiet, short song that is the beginning of the end of the album. Starts with atmospheric noise, before an accoustic guitar joins. One would expect Johnny Cashs voice.... The song is about remission and how your own brother can become a stranger. Musically it's in the line of "Spring Hill Mining Disaster".
Breathe
Heavy roaring drums kick off the track, Bono sings fast and murmurous. Chorus sounds like a U2 classic. The bridge has Edge chopping down shy strings and has reminiscences to "Until the end of the world". Known as beach clip 2.
Cedars of Lebanon
Dark Keyboards, supported by a minimalistic guitar. Bono rather speaks than he sings and is all over the place on the track, that has rudiments of "If you wear that velvet dress". Bono takes the perspective of a war correspondent in Lebanon. "Return the call to home" sounds like a fare away noise vocally carried by Edge.
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