The act [debut] is the name given to Gareth Thomas' music, and Postcards From Berlin is an enjoyable throwback to electronic music from the 80s and 90s, particularly that of Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails.The title, Postcards From Berlin, is obviously ironic as Berlin is a relatively emotionally cold city that has impacted music recorded by U2, David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Who gets postcards from there? This album was also recorded in that famed German city, and while much of it is quite chilly, "More Than This" finds Thomas vocalizing with a pretty, pure singing voice that might be confused with something in the Barry Manilow repertoire, were it not also for the pulsing electronic groove that kicks in after the acoustic piano-backed intro fades out. If you live in Southern California or have listened to any KROQ in the 80s, as song like "More Than This" would have fit right in with that famed station's playlist during the period.
While Thomas seems to prefer piano as his backing instrument of choice, one can hear acoustic guitar on "Want," a song that also features a female lead vocal. One called "Everyday I Love You More" sounds more like a classical or opera piece, as it begins with a string section and goes into a somber piano-backed vocal.
Strangely, Thomas could make it as a pop singer - he sings that well. However, he has a dark streak in his personality that will likely always keep him from ever singing Paul McCartney-like silly love songs.
