SDH - Against Strong Thinking

Back in January SDH (Semiotics Department of Heteronyms) released a music video for their song 'No Miracles' which instantly grabbed my attention. I am not a fan of most industrial techno songs and rhythms as I feel as if too many of them sound similar and fall under one specific breed that's hard to deviate from one another. Under darkened lights in an underground club the tunes will fit right in and the black-clothed lads will all fall in love with the songs but I find myself on the outside of that category. Nonetheless, when the hard industrial rhythms combined with the dark techno beats of 'No Miracles' were unleashed into my headphones I was immediately dragged into the world of SDH. A combination of fierce yet ominous lyrics from Latorre and the brutally infectious beats from Algiz caught me unguarded.

But that is to be expected from both of these talented synthesizer wizards as they have been involved in projects prior to this one including the experimental / post-punk band Wind Atlas as well as record label Cønjuntø Vacíø. SDH got their start back in 2018 on Avant! Records releasing their debut EP "Tell Them" on March 1st. A combination of darkwave vibes and synthpop rhythms with underlying grit made the base for their debut and was further refined on their debut, self-titled album which was out shortly after in June of 2018. Since then fans have been eager to discover what else lies in wait for them and the light at the end of the tunnel finally came crashing into our consciousness with "Against Strong Thinking".



'Suffer' begins off the album which is in stark contrast to the already mentioned 'No Miracles'; homing in what could be described as a sad synthpop song the beats are crystal clear and well produced with Latorre's vocals now emotional and desperate. This serves as a shocker and wicked transformation when 'No Miracles' hits next. Following 'No Mircales' comes 'Your Next Story' which has some feedback found within for a lo-fi techno / EBM rhythm with plenty of additional textures and drums to keep the song moving and fresh. 'Four Arms' brings the EP back into a lovely but strangled story that seems to focus on the mental position of someone in a controlling environment. 'You Pt. 12' brings in deeper beats once more but keeps the sound melodic and dangerous. The final song on the album 'Poem Against Strong Thinking' is a wonderful send off with a happier note than some of the previous songs on "Against Strong Thinking" and keeps the tone blissful. 

"Against Strong Thinking" is a fabulous, six-track invitation into the world of SDH. If you're anything like me and you are new to this band then you should find joy in discovering and listening to their debut album "Semiotics Deparment of Heteronyms" as well as their debut EP "Tell Them". The more songs the merrier. If you collect physical editions of albums you might want to grab the vinyl for both albums soon before they sell out as they are almost gone. 
Apr 22 2020