Artist: Frittenbude Album: Delfinarium

Year: 2012
Duration: 38:40

Under the Sea: A Critical Review of Frittenbude's Delfinarium

If you're into electronic music and you haven't heard of Frittenbude, it's time to start taking notes. Hailing from Germany, the duo comprising Jakob Häglsperger and Johannes Rögner have made a name for themselves in the techno and electro-punk music scene. They gained widespread recognition with their 2010 album, Nachtigall, and have released three more albums since then including their most recent: Delfinarium. In this critical review, we'll dive deep into Delfinarium, examining its style, the best songs on the album, and the most innovative parts.

Delfinarium is a beautifully crafted album that combines Frittenbude's signature electronic sound with more intricate elements of rock and pop. The album's title implies an underwater adventure and that's exactly what the duo delivers: an immersive experience that feels like a journey into the depths of the ocean. The album opener, Delfinarium, sets the tone perfectly with its driving beat and dreamy vocals that transport you to another world.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Mondlicht, a slower, more introspective number that showcases Frittenbude's versatility as a band. Häglsperger's vocals are hauntingly beautiful, and the way the track builds and gives way to a stripped-down bridge is simply awe-inspiring. Another highlight of the album is Die Zukunft liegt im Schlaf, which features a bouncy, synth-heavy beat that will get your head nodding in no time.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is Frittenbude's use of environmental sounds. In Delfinarium, the sounds of the ocean and seagulls are woven into the track, adding a layer of atmosphere that makes you feel like you're really underwater. The use of found sounds is particularly effective in Nullsummenspiel, where snippets of dialogue and noises from everyday life interact with the music to create a sense of chaos and confusion.

While Delfinarium is undoubtedly a fantastic album, it does have a few weak spots. The track Hände hoch feels out of place compared to the rest of the album, with its repetitive lyrics and lackluster beat. Similarly, Himmelblau doesn't quite hit the mark, with its overly simplistic melody and uninspired vocals.

Overall, Delfinarium is a fantastic album that showcases Frittenbude's musical prowess. The duo's creativity, combined with their extensive knowledge of electronic and punk music, has given rise to a truly unique sound that sets them apart in the music world. While not every track is a winner, the album as a whole is worth a listen if you're in the mood for something that's both dreamlike and energizing. You won't be disappointed.