Finally, it's here. I have been awaiting NEP's new LP for over two years. Having first discovered them in the late 80's with Join In The Chant (from That Total Age LP) and watch them progress with Belief, As Is and Showtime, the band has become an intricate part of my identity.

Nitzer Ebb once again surprises me with an unusual mixture of industrial, dance, jazz and rock. For those interested in buying the LP, I can only say one thing: play it loud or don't play it. The first time I heard it, I was not initially impressed; I was more overwhelmed by the harder rock influences. I guess I was expecting the same consistencies as their buddies Depeche Mode. As I continued to play it again; louder, I grew to love it.

This time, Alan Wilder (Depeche Mode) is not involved; removing the europop influence that gave Ebbhead and As Is their dancefloor feel. Unlike other industrial bands, Nitzer Ebb derives its existence from Hard Rock rather than euro-pop bands like Kraftwerk; giving it a unique and evolving sound. Big Hit continues to show McCarthy and Harris' talent in composition and programming through unique drum patterns and fat analog synth sounds creating a gritty, human feel.

Overall, this LP will win no awards or become a major component of anyone's CD collection, but it is still worth giving it a spin. As with their past LP's, it is only a matter of time before riffs and ideas heard here first will become mainstream techniques. Songs like Border Talk and Our Own World are able to combine the essence of jazz, blues and industrial all in tightly woven tracks.