DERO GOI : ‘1984’ – debut solo album by former OOMPH! frontman out now on Dependent Records title song also available as a single
debut solo album
2xLP | 2xCD artbook | CD | digital
out now
(Dependent Records)
stream | Bandcamp
includes the title song
1984
video
Dero Goi is the former frontman of ‘Neue Deutsche Härte’ (new German hardness) pioneers OOMPH!. His debut solo album, ‘1984’, was released on 29th November, and demonstrates that he is back with a bang, delivering a massive statement of intent in the shape of an ambitious double album full to the brim with synth hits over the duration of its 23 songs (an abridged version is also available).
A fascinating fusion of synth-wave, EBM and contemporary electronic elements, it even delivers a dose of his former life as a hard rock musician. Always recognised as an outstanding songwriter, Goi has honed his craft to an even sharper edge on this substantial new collection.
The album’s stunning title track was issued as a single a week ahead of the album. Solemn and melancholic, yet crowned with a beautifully spherical refrain, ‘1984′ is complemented by an animated video that reflects the apocalyptic outlook of its lyric and much of the album content. It can be seen HERE.
“It describes the Orwellian dystopia in which people have voluntarily agreed to their enslavement, reflecting the collective self-destructive madness that our somnambulistic and egocentric society is moving towards,” states Goi. “The video nevertheless shows a way out of this dark labyrinth of deception and seduction.”
The album also sees Goi remaining true to his unwavering stance as a non-conformist artist. Never shy to air his views, the Born Again Christian remains critical of organised religion, while his declared libertarian political leanings have provoked a wide range of reactions.
However, Goi’s intensive preoccupation with religion and his social commentary are running themes in his work. As the vocalist and drummer in OOMPH!, his lyrics dealt with everything from the global economic crisis to child poverty, while several songs saw the former agnostic tackling organised religion. Born in 1970 in the city of Wolfsburg, he had co-founded the band while still in his teens with a wide range of musical influences to frame his thoughts that included rock figureheads such as AC/DC, The Cure and Faith No More, electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk, D.A.F. and Depeche Mode, plus pop icons Abba, The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Displaying Goi’s move in a more electronic direction, the album is a testament to an artist utilising his influences to further expand his ability to write catchy tunes. Whatever his listeners will make of this massive contribution to the scene, Goi will most certainly never be an artist who holds back. What you hear is what you get!
