You never quite know what to expect with Apoptygma Berzerk. Starting in the industrial/EBM-ish genres in the early ‘90s, they went on to help create the futurepop sound in the early aughts, before heading in a synth-rock direction. Their latest output has focused on more ambient and experimental instrumental electronica. So what’s the new EP like from the genre’s foremost electro-chameleon?

Nein Danke! opens with its best song “Soma Coma.” Soma is the name of the drug from the dystopian novel Brave New World. In the novel, Soma is a cure-all drug for depression. This is Apop exploring the personal cost of a life made happier by antidepressants. Sonically, it’s like something right out of the ‘80s, made with the help of today’s slicker production tools, of course. It’s electroclash without the ironic wink.

“Atom & Eve” and “A Battle For The Crown” make it clear that Groth’s new palette is retro-electro. Both of these tracks are quite catchy and highlight Apop’s ability to blend old and new into something immediately unique and grabbing.