- When a label makes its name with the productions of a single musician, problems are bound to arise when it's time to branch out and sign some new acts. Invariably, these new signings will be compared to their predecessor, and in the case of Herzblut and label boss Stephan Bodzin, it's a hard act to follow. Like Superflu's release before this, relative newcomer Nicolas Masseyef (aka Vedrenn) can't escape the shadow cast by Bodzin's signature sound.
The double A-Side begins with title track ‘Deva’, a heavy-handed journey with tense synths that continually rise half notes, creating a horror flick white-knuckle feel that crescendos in a giant build and descends in one long ride. It's all quite Bodzin in approach, but without some of the texture. It sort of feels like a sneeze that doesn’t quite materialize. You will it to come, but to no avail.
‘Marie Louise’ sticks close to the same slow-burning blueprint. Shimmering minor key melodies meander through some clicky percussion and snarling sub-bass feedback nicely enough, but even when it peaks and some 'Pistol Whip'-esque cascading laser sounds get added, there's a sense of restraint. Restraint is good (Bodzin's ‘Papillon’ springs to mind), but ‘Marie Louise’ just ends up sounding kind of timid.
This release is a blessing and a curse for Masseyeff. Landing on Herzblut will surely boost his EDM status, but it will also inevitably draw comparisons. Once Herzblut releases a great record not made by Bodzin, then these comparisons will probably stop, but unfortunately, that day has yet to come. The good news for Nicolas Masseyeff is that this release isn't bad per se. It has potential, but in the end it's just way too Bodzin-y for me.
TracklistA Deva
B Marie Louise