A Truly European Affair.
Hailing from the Greek word ainigma meaning puzzle or mystery, the band Enigma could not be more approriately named. Ever since they burst onto the music scene in 1990 with their strange mix of Gregorian chants and laid-back beats of 'Sadeness (Part 1)', the track whilst introducing themselves to the world seemed to set a bar too high which the band have struggled to live up. In 1993, the 'Return To Innocence' single heralded a return to public favour but ever since, Enigma have been ploughing on without ever really troubling the masses.
It may therefore be surprising to read that 'A Posteriori' is the bands sixth album, and although some of the beats and rhythms sound rather modern, the overall musical themes appear to be the same. And in an essence, its hard to get beyond that style and you wonder where this album comes in. Did all the people who purchased the bands debut album on the back of their big single (and it stayed in the American Billboard chart for over 5 years) really listen to the whole album a lot, or was it one of they spur of the moment purchases that everyone seems to buy, and it soundtracks a few dinner parties or quiet nights in but never leaves the CD rack soon after?
Opener 'Eppur Si Muove' starts on familiar terms but its excursion into electronic beats and up-stepping rhythm offers hope that perhaps this new breed of Enigma were going to provide some exciting contemporary form. Unfortunately, after this track, the album returns to expected form and although the music and vocals are perfectly well played and probably pitch perfect, there is a lack of excitement or vigour. Yes, the vocals have that same magical quality that charmed people over a decade ago but its all been done and is already available to casual fans. No doubt that the committed Enigma fans will lap up more of the same but its unlikely that other people will be swayed by this new offering.
With the press release claiming the band are the most succesful German pop export of all time (a nation that truly hails David Hosselhoff's musical output? Jump in my car? The Germans commandeer the entire autobahn with the talentless fopps tunes), its not stretching matters to say that Enigma are perfectly suited to the European market and their heydey in the UK corresponds to MTV Europe, before the UK had it own dedicated output. So if you hanker after the good old days of MTV Europe with Kristianna Backer, Pip Dann and Simone Angel, then the return of Enigma may warm your heart and have you scouring the internet for news on Haddaway or Doctor Alban.
Everyone else is advised to raise an eyebrow, say hmmmmm and move on to something more relevant instead.