11. March 2025
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Media Review

Propaganda – Propaganda

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Propaganda - Propaganda

Propaganda - Propaganda
4.9

Rating

 4.9/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Great nostalgic and modern synth-pop
  • Very versatile tracks

Propaganda defined the German synth-pop scene in the 1980’s. After three break-ups, they are back with a new album in 2024, 42 years after the band has been founded. Even though there are only two members left in the band, Michael Mertens and founding member Ralf Dörper, I just had to have a listen to their 2024 album. Here is my review of Propaganda. Release date of the album is 11th October 2024.

 

 

Propaganda – About The Artists

Ralf Dörper had the idea to found Propaganda in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1982. The band was originally a trio with Andreas Theim (who died in 2013) and Susanne Freytag. Later, there have been other band members as well. On Propaganda, you also hear Betsi Miller as the main female vocalist, supported by ThunderBae. The band was very successful in Germany and Switzerland, but especially in the United Kingdom, where fhree of their albums made it into the charts between 1985 and 1990. In 2022, there was a spin-off band named xPropaganda, whose album The Heart Is Strange peaked eleventh in the British charts. released by the former band members Susanne Freytag and Claudia Brücken. The biggest single success of the band was Dr. Mabuse, which peaked seventh in the German charts in 1984.

 

Propaganda – Propaganda – Track by Track

The eight song album lasts 40 minutes. The album versions of the songs already released are typically longer than the single releases.

1. They Call Me Nocebo

The Dusseldorf act plays it safe and opens Propaganda with two previous single releases. They Call Me Nocebo is a real blast. On the one hand, it sounds like the long-ago songs of the project, on the other hand, the track is very modern as well. I really like it.

2. Purveyor Of Pleasure

The second track of the album is Purveyor Of Pleasure. The song is less present in rhythm, but therefore invests into a impressing atmosphere. The present vocals are catchy and lead to enjoyable four minutes.

3. Vicious Circle

Vicious Circle is the first song on the album, which has not been published beforehand. The song is very melodic and thus ranges somewhere between the two openers. Again, the German artists manage to create a magical atmosphere and are masterfully setting their female singer into the spotlight. The melody of the song stays in your mind.

4. Tipping Point

The tootling background melody and the stomping bass define Tipping Point on the instrumental side. However, the song would be much weaker without the memorable chorus, which turns this song into a blast. Great work.

5. Distant

In the fifth song, Propaganda goes for a dark and depressing mood, when they state Distant, I am feeling so distant. This special style leads to a an even relation to the track while you are listening to it.

6. Love:Craft

The Propaganda album goes on with its two longest tracks. At least regarding the sixth song Love:Craft, the duration does not lead to any boredom. The song has a lovely dramatic plot which a marching rhythm. You are simply too thrilled what is coming up next. This leads to a rather symphonic character.

7. Dystopian Waltz

The following seven and a half minutes are taken by the Dystopian Waltz. The song invests time into an intense, but also threatening intro, which is defined by string sound and electronic elements.The rhythm develops more and more. While some parts of the song feel really harmonic and beautiful, you expect some harder and rougher things to happen (of course they do…). Betsi Miller is not part of this beauty, as the song is completely instrumental.

8. Wenn ich mir was wünschen dürfte

For the closing song, Propaganda states “If I could have a wish” (the German title translated”). The song is indeed in German and defines another highlight of the album. The intense, dark and touching style continues in here. The song is a cover and has originally been performed by Marlene Dietrich and Friedrich Holländer.

 

Propaganda – Propaganda – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

Propaganda – Propaganda – My View

Wow, this one is really amazing. Propaganda show a great 2024 comeback with this album, in which the songs are so different, but also that intense. Te versatility and the ability to play with different kinds of atmosphere is amazing. I absolutely love it.

Favorite Song: Love:Craft

 

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