The Rorschach Garden

The lengthy string of 12" singles by this side project of P. Muench of industrial act Synapscape is gathered together by the Kaliedaskop label, along with some new cuts, for the debut Rorschach Garden album. Given the six-year span over which these recordings were made, it's difficult to examine the state of music and mind when Muench laid down these ultra-simplistic, '80s-influenced electro cuts. But one thing is for certain, as the cycle of '80s revivalism has come full-circle in said six years, from obscure to explosion to backlash, Muench paid it no mind. From song one to song 18, the pulsing bass, monophonic keyboard melodies and flat line vocals with a touch of vocoder never evolve. So while any of these individual songs, particularly the catchy first Rorschach Garden single "State Protection" or the hyperactive "The Chosen Few," are fun enough on their own, an entire album's worth will leave you yearning for something more than retro-kitsch. No doubt that Muench is a true believer, more akin to Adult. and Solvent than the wink-nudge fashionistas who swarmed electro's bones and attempted to pick the carcass clean. But also like both of those acts, time, trend and endless imitation has dulled the once blinding chrome gleam.