This year Dependent’s 5th cult-sampler gets unleashed on time. Overstated? Overpraised? No way! German EBM/Industrial label Dependent developed not only with its annual SEPTIC compilations a damn fucking good reputation. These records go like hot cakes and regularly top the DAC. The newest issue SEPTIC V just entered the DAC from 0 up to #2!
In fact they have not changed anything in matter of their secret recipe: all tracks are without exception to date unreleased tracks or remix versions. And of course, SEPTIC V is again world-wide limited to 5.000 copies.
It has to be mentioned, that not all bands on SEPTIC V are Dependent label bands. With BATTERY CAGE, I, PARASITE, XPQ-21, FAQ, FRACTURED, THIS MORN OMINA and ANTHONY ROTHER top-class acts got engaged, who perfectly suit the attitude and music of Dependent.
Since there was never a black-out on one of these samplers – at least to my knowledge – we are talking about 15 high-quality songs. I just like a few ones a bit more than the rest ;)
Opening act is Dependent new-entry STROMKERN who have not released anything in Europe for ages. Their Sentinel gives outlook of what we have to expect from their next album release Light It Up due in summer. While soundscapes in the background remind me of Ultra Fox’ Vienna, beats in the foreground are slightly future-pop influenced, amplified by the clean guest vocals of Seabound’s Frank Spinath. Interesting ear-catching mix.
The next track that got stuck in my ears is Spoke by I, PARASITE, chilling, melancholic and far away from all dance floors. XPQ-21 are already faves of myself, right now put on hold but with new material in the works. In Your Eyes is a great song. INTERLACE of course cannot be missed and again they show brilliance with their Quintillion remix. Likewise great highlights, catchy and danceable is FAQ’s The World Is Not Enough and FRACTURED’s Contain. THIS MORN OMINA again strike back with a martial drum’n’beat battle called fp-(52500), intensifying the effect with tribal-like drumming, reminding of hot nights and rhythms in Rio. Not really my cup of tea. DISMANTLED offer a worthy closer with their instrumental Attention, rounding up what SEPTIC V has to offer.
Not mentioned bands and track are not necessarily bad, they just did not get stuck in my aural canals the same way.

Upshot: SEPTIC V is essential, as the other four ones have to be too. You need it in every circumstance: it is a perfect CD shopping list, outlet for aggressions, consolation, kinesitherapy and pick-me-up. A MUST-HAVE!