All of the tracks are in my head constantly, and it's become one of my favorite synthpop/whatever albums. Keep in mind that I find a lot of their earlier stuff fairly inaccessable. I loved Polarity, but I think that this is a definate step forward. So if you're into Haujobb in their crazy days, you might not like this as much, but if you're more of a fan of the poppier goth/techno stuff and like catchier melodies and choruses, this is the album for you. I highly recommend it to first-time Haujobb listeners who might get hooked on the intricate but catchy songs, and then learn to love the more eccentric earlier releases.

Just so you know what other music I like, some of my other favorite bands are VNV Nation, Apoptygma Berzerk, Covenant, Wolfsheim, Fictional, Clan of Xymox and The Cure.


Vertical Progression   November 27, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Introducing Haujobb, one of the few innovators and original musicians in a genre known as EBM (Electronic Body Music). If you are familiar with the genre however, Haujobb needs no introduction. One of the few EBM outfits to bring together successfully elements of minimal electronica and mature ambient, Haujobb turns a stale, dancefloor-ridden style into something interesting. There's just as much here for Aphex Twin and Gridlock fans as there is for the ravers.

Each successive Haujobb album grows more mature, experimenting in one direction or another. Vertical Theory is a culmination of Haujobb's past, and a welcome step into the future. That is the beauty of this group; they provide something with their distinct sound, but choose not to grow stale, repeating territory they know.

Vertical Theory, in specifics, brings together the danceable grooves and futuristic textures found on their last album (2001's Polarity) with the minimal drum'n'bass and lush ambience of NinetyNine. The first track, "Renegades of Noize", is somewhat standard Haujobb territory, danceable with nice atmosphere. "S.adow" is a move in the right direction, a dense landscape of synths and pads, hard rhythms, not to mention some suprisingly catchy vocals, an oddly beautiful track.

Next up is "The Noise Insitute", starting us off with a quirky synthline and distorted 4 on the floor dance rhythms. One thing's for sure though, Haujobb's 4x4 beats are never boring; they never stagnate. There's always something new going on, some new rhythmic element. Whether it's a tweaked clap, an odd distorted sample, or a slight offset of the kick, there's no boring "boom boom boom boom" here.

Skipping ahead with the tracks, "Claim the Planet" and "Faith In Chaos" are the highlights of the album. "Claim the Planet" has an off-kilter synth section, backed by stuttery rhythms and Myer's vocals vocoded and slipping over top the crystalline atmospheres. "Faith In Chaos" continues, with an emphasis on interesting rhythm and noise, before a more up front beat pattern comes crashing in, startling you with its immediacy. Myer's vocals are also electronically aided in this track, plenty of distortion. The track builds to a climactic chorus section, stating "deal with the demons....the last man on earth doesn't know he is alone, doesn't know it is his fault...."

Overall, this album is an excellent release for Haujobb and their forward-thinking progressive electronic sound. Similar to this release is the album by Myer under the Architect moniker, called "I Went Out Shopping To Get Some Noise".