I'm listening to this, and the only thing I can think is, "Holy Hell, these people have honed new wave down to an impossibly chilly edge." Well, of course. Opera Multi Steel has been plying these darkwave waters for forty years. Three of the four members are original, and the fourth joined up in the late 80s. So it makes sense that the thirteenth OMS album is a spectacular display of professional flourish and style.

Opera Multi Steel Les Passions Tristes (self-released)

If you like your darkwave sung in French and chilled down to Teutonic levels, you're in luck. I listened back a bit, and OMS has maintained this high level of quality pretty much since forever. This album fits right in with the others, maintaining quality without restating past ideas. And yeah, I'm down with the French.

But even the chilliest hearts can find a spot of warmth. On songs like "Tout en Tous," OMS gets a bit frisky. Poppy, even. I'm solidly in favor. Every albums needs leavening, and such tracks serve to add a bit of bounce to the overall set. Like I said, this is professional all the way.

Despite the high level of craft, both in writing and playing, OMS hardly sounds bored. There are always new ranges to explore, and that sense of wonder weaves its way through this album. This is no restatement, but rather an establishment of new ideas. OMS doesn't try to escape its history, but it does set forth a fine new path. Quite the engaging wander.

Jon Worley