Front 242 released their second album "No Comment" in 1984. Whilst this vinyl is a reissued version from 1989, it is still fairly difficult to come by. I bought my copy at a second hand record shop in Hull earlier this year and it is in great condition. I also need to point out that this LP has a different sleeve to the original and features a running order which is different to CD or digital version of the album.
It is worth noting immediately that this album is quite a departure from its predecessor. The analogue synths of "Geography" have been jettisoned and the sounds of a Drumulator, FM synths and a sampler dominate. There has also been a change of personnel with Dirk Bergen departing to be replaced by a second vocalist Richard 23.
Things open with the nine and a half minute long "Commando (Mix)" which revolves around a distinctive DX7 bassline. Band member Daniel Bressanutti layers atmospheric samples on the top and tweaks the drums with some fills here and there. I've noticed this track gets a lot of love amongst Front 242 fans and some even regard it as their best. Personally I think it is OK, but definitely not their best.
Next up is "S. Fr Nomenklatura (Part I & II)" which I have never liked much as it has a really annoying sample that is repeated throughout. All of these instrumental tracks tend to wander down a bit of a musical cul-de-sac and aren't developed a great deal. The next track "Deceit" does feature some vocals from Jean-Luc and Richard 23 but they sound like overdubs thrown down to add a little texture rather than being the centrepiece.
The flip side kicks off with "Lovely Day" which offers the first flash of the sound the band would come to fine tune on later albums. The highlight of the album for me is "No Shuffle" which is a rambling ode to the North Pole with a groove ready for the right dance floor. Things finish off with "Special Forces" which samples a line from "Apocalypse Now" and turns it into a relentless slice of EMB. To me this album sounds like a band trying to master new technology: sometimes they get it right and sometimes things misfire. This album is interesting, but it only offers us a glimpse of the heights they would go on to achieve. 2.5/5
