Rage In Eden

What do you do after you've released a trailblazing instant classic that redefined an entire musical style? Ultravox answered this intimidating question by following 1980's landmark Vienna with the darker, more intense Rage In Eden. As the title suggests, it brings an edgy, ominous tone to its predecessor's airy, elegant electronic climes. Legendary krautrock producer (Neu!, Can, Kraftwerk, et al) Conny Plank returned, bringing not only his experience with synthesizer soundscapes, but also a greater focus on an insistent rhythmic pulse; on some tracks, Chris Cross's synth-bass lines sound like a precursor to the electro scene then gearing up in Detroit and Chicago. Adjusting to the reduction in grandiosity, Midge Ure's vocals are a shade less soaring and operatic here, taking on a more biting tone to match the frequently fearsome lyrics; there's a nameless dread looming overhead throughout most of Rage In Eden. Ultravox doesn't even need electronics to evoke that everpresent eeriness: "Your Name (Has Slipped My Mind Again)" makes its point with little more than voice and booming piano chords. The 2008 deluxe reissue comes with a bonus disc well worth the upgrade, including some fascinating previously unreleased tracks and commanding live recordings.