Incredible But True: A Synth-Pop Time Capsule from RƎUNION
Alright, let’s talk about Incredible But True, the kinda-underground gem by RƎUNION, outta Germany, 2000. It's one of those albums that feels like it slipped through the cracks but still has this quiet charm to it—like finding an old VHS tape at a garage sale and realizing it’s secretly amazing. The genres are listed as Electronic and Pop, with Synth-pop vibes running all over the place. And honestly? That’s exactly what you get—a mix of shimmering synths, moody beats, and lyrics that feel both personal and kinda universal.
First up, let me shout out two tracks that stuck in my head long after hitting play: “I Hate Your Arrogance” and “Rising Star.”
“I Hate Your Arrogance” hits different—it’s sharp-edged yet danceable, like if someone bottled up frustration and turned it into glitter. You can’t help but nod along while feeling petty AF. The production is tight, almost surgical, but there’s this raw emotion bubbling underneath. Sebastian Kupke and Denis Erdmann clearly knew how to write stuff that grabs you by the collar without being too obvious about it. Plus, who doesn’t love a track title that calls people out? Feels cathartic.
Then there’s “Rising Star,” which flips the vibe entirely. This one’s dreamy, aspirational even, like watching dawn break over some neon-lit cityscape. The melody floats around your brain for hours, refusing to leave. Like… damn, do I wanna be on top of the world or just chill under the stars? The layers here are smooth, almost hypnotic, making it perfect for zoning out or vibing hard when life gets overwhelming.
The rest of the album holds its own too—tracks like “Sunset Glow” and “…When You Need Me” keep things interesting with their emotional swings. There’s sadness, hope, defiance, love—all the good stuff wrapped up in sleek synth lines and crisp percussion. Even the artwork (shoutout to Rene Hesse!) matches the tone: minimal, cool, and slightly mysterious, like the music itself.
What makes Incredible But True stand out isn’t perfection—it’s personality. Self-released via Not On Label, this record feels untethered from industry expectations. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; instead, it takes familiar elements and twists them into something uniquely memorable. Kinda like wearing thrifted clothes that somehow fit better than anything store-bought.
Reflecting on this album now, it reminds me of those moments where everything seems kinda surreal—like when you’re staring out a car window late at night and suddenly realize how small we all are. Or maybe it’s just nostalgia kicking in because, hey, 2000 was a whole other era. Either way, Incredible But True sticks with you—not because it’s flashy, but because it feels real.
And honestly? If Denis Erdmann and Sebastian Kupke ever decide to drop another project, sign me up immediately. Until then, I’ll be spinning these tracks and wondering why more people aren’t talking about this hidden gem. Maybe they should’ve called it Underrated But True.
