A Valiant Attempt
What happens when someone combines experimental, electronic dance music with the avant-garde and androgyny of Ziggy Stardust? The answer to that question is Fritz Helder. The Canadian based musician’s EP, Force of Nature, is an amusing few songs. However, in general it is an average, halfhearted album.
This EP plays into the fantasies of every EDM lover. It has fun, danceable qualities, lyrics that are easy to sing along to, and more importantly the perpetual beats and rhythms that one can get lost in and play repetitively on their headphones or speakers at a festival. Unfortunately, these are the few redeemable characteristics of this record.
The first song begins as one would expect, with heavy bass and manipulated sound machines. The lyrics also lack any real substance, but regrettably, this is not uncommon for most music today. The second song is slightly slower, while the third song returns to the same hurried nature of the first track. In the end, they both explore the same synthesizers and sounds. Once the three songs finish, the listener gets a feeling that Helder created this specific sound and album for the sake of being different and contrary to what is popular. It is, however, generic and unoriginal in its attempt.
Despite its lack of creativity, the entirety of the record is not a waste. What Helder lacks in musical originality, he certainly makes up for in presentation. Despite the fact that one is unable to see him perform, his charisma radiates even through the confines of digital streaming and MP3s. His gender ambiguous aesthetic and the performance he gives, even on the album, are distinct from so many current musicians in a refreshing and entertaining way.
While Helder’s efforts remain impressive, the overall outcome of this EP leaves the listener unenthusiastic and disappointed. This EP is no doubt upbeat and enjoyable, but the quality and commitment to creating a record that is original and lasting, fall short.
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