Album Review: Live Dice – Rauhe Konzerte
Live Dice – Rauhe Konzerte, an electrifying live album by German artist Dice, is a gritty collision of Rock and Electronic sounds, with heavy nods to Darkwave and New Wave aesthetics. Released under Disc International, this record captures the raw energy of Dice’s performances, led entirely by Christian Niveau, who wears multiple hats as lyricist, composer, and producer. For fans of moody atmospheres and pulsating beats, this album delivers—but not without its quirks.
The tracklist reads like a journey through emotional highs and brooding lows, but two songs stick out in my mind for different reasons. First up is "Bitte Geh’." This opener grabs you by the collar right away. The driving bassline feels like it’s pushing you forward while Niveau’s haunting vocals linger like a shadow you can’t shake off. It’s one of those tracks that makes you want to both dance and stare into the void at the same time—a classic Darkwave move if there ever was one. You won’t forget it easily; trust me on that.
Then there’s "Du Bist Gefährlich," which hits differently. If "Bitte Geh'" sets the tone, this track flips the script entirely. Here, Dice leans harder into their New Wave roots, layering synths over sharp guitar riffs. What stays with you isn’t just the catchy hook but how unpredictable it feels—like walking a tightrope between chaos and control. By the end, you’re left wondering whether to applaud or catch your breath.
One thing worth noting about Rauhe Konzerte is how unpolished yet intentional it feels. Sure, some transitions between tracks feel rough around the edges, but maybe that’s the point. Dice seems less concerned with perfection and more focused on capturing authenticity. And honestly? That works. There’s something refreshingly human about hearing imperfections in a genre often dominated by sleek production values.
Lyrically, Niveau doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but his words carry weight. Phrases like “Ich möchte dich mal wiedersehen” (I’d like to see you again) hit hard because they’re simple yet universal. He knows when to let the music do the talking, too—a skill many artists could learn from.
What surprised me most about this album wasn’t just its sound but its ability to transport you somewhere else. Listening to it feels like stepping into a dimly lit club in Berlin circa 1985, where everyone’s dressed in black and no one cares what anyone else thinks. Yet, despite all its gloominess, Rauhe Konzerte has moments of unexpected warmth, almost like flashes of sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
In the end, Live Dice – Rauhe Konzerte isn’t for everyone. But if you’re someone who appreciates music that takes risks—even if it stumbles along the way—this might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Just don’t expect any happy endings here; Dice prefers leaving you hanging, questioning everything… including why you suddenly feel so alive after listening to something so dark.
