The Cheaters Club: QQROFL

Judging by the computer savvy of the composers, I’m guessing that QQROFL is some sort of IM code that I’m too old or analog to grok, though I am curious as to its origins. The album itself is extremely well put-together, drawing much production/thematic influence from folks like Trent Reznor and Nigel Godrich, and it oozes with euro-techno emotion and a jaded, chiaroscuro motif more characteristic of something like a Frank Miller graphic novel than a musical creation. Melody is fairly secondary in this music’s mission, which seems to thrive more on texture and layering than any overt hooks, though there are some subtle ones intertwined with the maelstrom of ambience and industrial beats. The lyrics are deep, serious and generally depressing, over-analytical, introspective to the point of ill health and somewhat reminiscent of vintage, Roger Waters-flavored personal terror or agoraphobia. If you could translate this album into German and market it in Berlin, it would probably sell a million copies (that is, if anyone actually buys albums anymore).