Showing posts with label Electronic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electronic. Show all posts

Sunday 3 March 2024

Kyros "Mannequin" (2024)

 

Is this our first heavy hitter? An obvious contender for my album of the year, Kyros deliver on an enticing Esoterica teaser. All three tracks our found nestled snugly among this lively set of exuberant songs bursting with colorful energy. After a quaint, folksy introduction - reminiscent of classic Prog Rock acoustics, the album roars to life with Showtime. Steel drums rapid a melody suggestive of time passing by, in chimes a big aggrandizing tune fondly reminding me of Genesis in the late 80s and one by one the instruments pile in. Grooving baselines, bustling drums patterns and dazzling keyboard leads paint a theatrical thunder birthed in cheese decades ago.

Kyros however, embrace this bold, tenacious execution of punchy note-to-note refrains and execute them with stunning swagger. Each track brings flavor and distinction, their commonality an undying dexterity of craft that fleshes out many sections with animated instrumentation. That's not to suggest the record doesn't have its timely lulls and respites. The balance is wonderful, a fruitful execution of ideas.

Ghosts Of You has become my standout track. Again the 80s reign supreme with big grinning melodies. One could re-imagine this as an ear worming theme song from a daytime television show. Again, executed with class, the lyrical tone and cadence chimes with its punchy percussion reminiscent of Michael Jackson's Bad. Its a common theme for the record but this modern vibrancy invigorates these old themes.

Its final two songs take a subtle departure, focusing on big metallic stunts between more middle of the road arrangements. Although great entertainment, the increased aggressive might, reminds you of a coming end to the session. Not a blemish but observation as that 80s cheese I'm so fond of gets stripped back. This foursome are awsum and I'm not surprised they have pulled together such a strong cohesive album.

Rating: 9/10

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Wargasm "Explicit: The Mixxxtape" (2022)

 

Despite grinding out familiar roars of disgruntled anger, this rebellious, antagonistic duo known as Wargasm, might be one of the fresher breaths of air circulating in a stale Metal community. Underneath its chaotic veneer, the fundamentals may have more in common with the likes of The Prodigy and Aggro-Tech. A constant barrage of unsettled, gritty noise pummels through lively drum machines, sharp distortion guitars, rabid screams and screeching electronics. A fun jumble of unabashed offerings.

 The opening explanation of an all too obvious pun the name is feels redundant. The following five tracks never let up on its ceaseless energy. Gristly lulls and melodic breaks feel like soft dressing for the next moment of madness. Fiery outbreaks of crammed aesthetic erupt on every track, gratifying ensembles of noisy oddities and groovy riffs to latch upon. Tinged with hints of Rap and Nu Metal, its my cup of tea.

The pair do all production themselves. Either an individuals vision or fruits of bouncing ideas of one another, the chaotic webs of wrangled aesthetics they weave are wonderfully unhinged, yet latch onto something that clicks most of the time.

Matlock provides the consistent barrage of angered shouts. Way is a touch understated as an effeminate yet mischievous counterpart. Her presence is similar to Poppy and when in a melodic passage, offers an under explored dimension of their partnership. Wargasm are exciting, this short release is a decent appetizer.

Rating: 5/10

Thursday 25 January 2024

Mnemic "Passenger" (2007)

 
Laying the ground work for this post, yesterday I wrote of The Audio Injected Soul, a now timeless record from the latter of my formative years. Their follow up, Passenger, was passed up upon release. All I recall was a dismissal based on the departure of Michael Bøgballe. Now a maturer listener, I venture back with an open mind.

My first observation was one of confusion. Bøgballe's replacement, Guillaume Bideau, has such similar tone and demeanor that he could be mistaken for the same guy. Singing with mirrored intensities, rhythmic cadences, dropping in snarls and quirky shouts akin to the record prior, he lands a seamless transition for the band.

Passenger can never compete with the immortality of youth. My growing familiarity with this record yields the same emotive stimulus though. At this stage, the iron is still hot for Mnemic, forging another array of chaotic fusions. Chugging jolted grooves collide with passionate dystopian melody across a post-industrial wasteland.

Playing with a touch more sludgy rhythm and distorted dissonance in the low end, the albums production admittedly sounds aesthetically like a minor step back. The prior tightness is lacking, its mostly the drums that feel looser. Guitars lean more towards aggression with a notable tilt in sharp edged riffs and slabs of shunting power chord noise. It aids an overall flavor that doesn't steer far from their established identity.

I'm going to continue chewing through these songs but so far a couple of favorites have emerged, usually where flushes of color and lead guitar compliment a song. Carcass's Jeff Walker drops brief but fantastic demented snarls onto Psykorgasm. Passenger doesn't pull any big surprises but competently builds on what they were known for. I'm gutted we passed this one up, these songs could have easily stuck too.

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Mnemic "The Audio Injected Soul" (2004)

 
Here lies an ecstatic throw back to the days of youth. Discovered through Nuclear Blast Records magazine, this Danish outfit captivated our attentions with rhythmic grooves adjacent to Meshuggah's records of the time. Residing in the infancy before Djent took on its current sanitized form, Menmic's gritty Industrial polish and flashes of electronic textures morphed them into a memorable metallic beast.

Born in the hangover of Groove and Nu Metal, roaring shunted riffs collide against subtly dystopian melodic leads in search of new ground. I recall this particular scene once being referred to as "Future Fusion Metal" but despite the endless iterations of sub-genre, this name never took hold. One can hear echos of Melodic Death Metal and Industrial Metal but its most notable distinction are the elasticated "poly-rhythmic" guitar arrangements that make for frequent headbangers break outs. Chunky assaults on the fretboard that frequently flirt with a choppy, charactered ferocity.

The band don't overstate any component but weave together its most aggressive assignments and tuneful tangents. These arrangements emerge chopped and changed, not through complexity but variety. The pace at which an average track cycles through its sections is refreshing. It gives them character, as its swings and sways feel unpredictable, even after the album has been etched into ones memory.

Its offering can't be overstated, a fantastic range of soaring melodies to rhythmic slabs of low end force, melding through a creativity that never felt forced or intentional. The bellowing roars of front man Bøgballe often illuminates the energetic trajectory the instrumentals traverse. It could be passion of youth but I think this record is a lost gem, a cracking collection of momentous songs that any fan of Metal could find a favorite among its ten lean cuts. Still a favorite after all these years...

Rating: 9/10

Monday 22 January 2024

Fred Again.. "Actual Life 3" (2022)

 
Actual Life 3 plays like an emotive snapshot of life passing by. Plainly titled in full with assumed start and ending dates, the candid selfie cover continues a trend in this series. Its an unambiguous touch to illuminates its personal nature. A social intimacy flows, human voices woven into these compassionate expressions, channeled through a dreamy endless night, intoxicated on the club floor. Slick Downtempo, danceable, rhythmic drives power us through warm Ethereal melodies and uplifting nightly energy. Snippets of casual conversation and private exchanges flicker between tender voices singing on relationship struggles with positive resolve. This all feels like a harmonious reflection of Fred's life, illuminating the human connections.

With a steady and gradual building of instrumental intensity, he steers these songs on an organic flow, never static, always inching towards the next subtle shift. Most songs find a swooning swell to amp up the rhythm to a predictable lively climax, yet always gratifying. Its gravitas is one of escape, a seriousness lingers in its mellow passing demeanor. Tensions unwind, providing release and resolve, lingering on a social maturity. Its forty minutes pass an effortless breeze. Fred never overplays his hand and keeps both mood and groove consistent, leaving all its varying degrees of intensity in anticipation of what flows next. Actual Life is one heck of a breezy listen...

Rating: 7/10

Saturday 20 January 2024

Ziggurath "True North" (2024)

 
With a swift and sudden departure from their prior Jungle Synth effort, Ziggurath pivots again. Now venturing on a chilly expedition, True North tentatively explores desolate atmosphere from a sullen, lone perspective. Glacial pace sets tone as broody bass synths, howling winds and distant gulls guide lonesome melodies on its journey. Pace is sparse, its ninety minutes frequently linger, drawing out its main sound design. The album sleeve feels fitting, a ghostly ship on a lost voyage, the lingering presence of icy death incarnate through a menacing skulls gaze.

Aptly named Hearthfire Inn, fire-crackles and lutes warm the bones, a refuge from the relentless frost that awaits. From here on, only glimmers of cultural instrumentation echo in the distant fog. Howling dogs, swirling winds and rehashes of its brooding atmosphere drag on. Through Halls Of Ruined Splendour offers shimmering sounds of wonder over the backdrop of crashing waves and the creaks of aged floor boards.

From here, iterations on the established sound design intensify, shying away from anything vivid, only offering glimpses of music to latch onto. Then Someone Dies offers a passing funeral dirge, a glum, drained march of sadness. The final track, True North, goes all in, attempting to offer a gratifying conclusion but coming up short. A surge of melodies underpinned by choral synths and soft organ hum doesn't quite land as intended, given the lack of build up to this final concluding moment.

Its obvious to see the intention here, to really lean into this chilling abandon. When giving True North little attention, its somewhat achieves this. Its sparse moments of melody and scenic sounds perk the ears but its sluggish pace and lack of animation doesn't carry much gravitas in the forefront of ones attention. Curation and more musicality could of elevated its presence. Otherwise, this is a soft miss to my ears.

Rating: 4/10

Sunday 14 January 2024

The Tiberian Sons "Satan's Office Supplies" (2022)

 
Here's a release I overlooked, The Tiberian Sons' first album re-imagining video game music within the Prog Metal format. Anthems Of Liberation was such a blinder, I had to give this a go. Sadly, little joy has arisen from its Paper Mario origins. Once again, I've not heard the originals but one can attest to their thrilling aesthetics and colorful liveliness. Satan's Office Supplies is given a lavish treatment, layered music with punch clarity. Subtle symphonies and jiving synths bustle between the upfront grooves of chomping, snappy drums and Djent rhythm guitar chops. Often stealing the lime light, the lead guitar wails with excitement, delivering key melodies and running away with dazzling solos, vivacious and vibrant, often serving as a voice of expression.

Why this didn't click with me is somewhat mysterious. Perhaps my Prog Metal clock has been run down for the time being. Maybe its the source material not quite matching the intensity. Although this music works, its jovial melodies run counter to a lot of hard hitting rhythm and stints of nostalgic orchestration that melds with a lack of feeling. Origami Castle is a keen example of its ends not quite sticking together.

 King Olly VS Mega Bowser is a similar composition, flutes and airy chorals coalesce around chomping groove and sinister horns, yet the track rides its devilish atmosphere well. The rest of the songs where somewhere in between, its opening five part set of tracks not feeling particularly special. A lot of the record descended into lively rumblings, were a blaze of passing melodies didn't land as they had done last time.

Rating: 5/10

Tuesday 9 January 2024

GGFH "Disease" (1993)

 
Weird, wacky... wonderful? This is a zany descent into dystopian depravity. Cold, sterile, emotionless, Disease plays shrouded by bleak, mechanical aesthetics. Embracing quirky synths, wavy baselines and bustling drum machine abuse, the duo known as Global Genocide Forget Heaven forge unsettled stints of misanthropic commentary. I was turned onto them by Dimmu Borgir's Dead Man Don't Rape and the two bands share little in common besides a grim outlook on humanity and morality.

Much of the records charm stems from passages of rhythm that lock in with its synthetic counterparts. In these strides the grim atmosphere carries some passing joy. Otherwise its an unsettling oddity that rarely feels welcoming, a confrontation slog, forcing one to reflect on the dark subject matter at hand. Snarling, distorted soft shouts bark off through the record with a continual rigorous dissatisfaction.

Its an inescapable grasp, a downwards pull as alien melodies swirl around aimlessly. Vocal snippets from horror movies and the like help paint the music with more strange darkness. The atmosphere is vivid and intentional. Only Plasterchrist detours from its core chemistry. Tense lullaby like bells toy with menace, contrasted over top warm symphonic strings. Its within reach of relief and reprise, yet holds firm to its limbo.

 Overall I am impressed by how clearly theme and intention are executed but on a personal level this examination of humanities worst was lacking the musical jive to pull me in. It could be intentional, to keep the music confrontational and inches from comfort. A fun listen but after a few spins I'm good.

Rating: 5/10


Friday 5 January 2024

Love Is Colder Than Death "Mental Traveller" (1992)

 
Proceeding their sophomore Teignmouth, we embark on sullen strides of mournful brooding. Mental Traveller ventures into worldly vibrations, linked by language-less tones of morose suffering. A frequent chemistry between dawning strings and Susann Heinrich's burdensome singing, captivates a moody pre-technological tension. One will be transported with visions of rural hardship lived in the shadow of human sin. A sense of ancient culture and lost religion prevails through these belated downtrodden soundscapes. Perhaps an artifact of my imagination, their gradual groaning, building up to rigged percussive grooves, can't help but evoke this antiquated notion.

My main gripe with the record is its similarity too Dead Can Dance. Many ideas and paths walked feel closely modeled on their music. This feels most obvious when an occasional song shifts gears for uplift and reprise, a little tuneful medieval charm having the same tone and textures as the aforementioned. This is however what I have been seeking, Neoclassical Darkwave. Love Is Colder Than Death have just that. Their approach just lacks a distinction to provide conversation to the genre.

 The second half of the record pivots, Ralf Donis takes over, ushering in Industrial tinged drums that reveal their programmed nature. Like last outing, it leans Electro-Industrial on a couple of tracks, almost birthing some genuine fascination with a grim tone but falling short. Despite all my attempts, this one just didn't latch mentally. 

Rating: 5/10

Tuesday 2 January 2024

Crosses "Crosses" (2014)

Having enjoyed the duo's new sophomore record, I ventured back to their debut, released nine years prior. Feeling very much fitting of its era, the electronic percussive arrangements tilt in a handful of directions, ta Disco House flavor of Daft Punk rears its head early on. The rest mostly an assemble of sluggish Trip Hop grooves and subdued drum patterns. They mostly stir echos from Post-Punks expansive umbrella, far from the hard hitting, cutting edge that its followup leaned into. 

This left Crosses with an expression rooted in the moment, something about arriving ten years late has been tricky to reorient. Led by Chino's charm, that inescapable Deftones feeling is prevalent but this time his partner Lopez crafts moody textural passing of mellow sound. Drenched in ambiguous, airy, soft design, many sounds emerge. Gentle guitar licks, plucked strings, a groaning Sax, broody pianos and riveting organ shimmer, with the occasional metallic riff dialing down its intensity.

The two fall into a sway, grooving on sullen, melancholic strides, mustering occasional bursts of energy on odd songs. The Epilogue was my favorite, cruising with pace and bustling in gated toms for a lively energy, the guitar lick and vocals made for a catchy hook. A rarity, much of the music focuses on mood, highlighting a lack of connection in its absence. Ultimately, the duo focus on a side of their chemistry that doesn't quite tick all the boxes for me. A fair listen but not one I'll come back to often.

Rating: 5/10

Friday 22 December 2023

Health "Rat Wars" (2023)

  

Housing four cuts from Ashamed, Rat Wars has been a swift brake in. Retaining their distinct flavor of broody, downtrodden dystopian atmospheres, Health navigate morose and self defeating emotions through the soft, sullen, effeminate voice of Jake Duzsik. Lyrically dark and dejecting, they eerily drift in the cracks of fiery Electro-Industrial pounding. Its inebriating, an alluring chemistry, entrancing and gripping yet on examination, a glum reality composed of crumbling urban sprawl and self abuse.

Many of its thudding kick and bassline grooves feel reminiscent of youthful days, hellbent on escaping ones demons through drugs, enjoying the dance while ignoring the imminent suffering. These entrancing drives of rhythm often feel like falling down a rabbit hole of self delusion. Only (Of All Else) and (Of Being Born) take the foot off the gas, the later sobering up its magnetic march with a grim groan of reality from an earth acoustic guitar to conclude the song. The other explores an acoustic limbo, the plucked strings hold off a frenzy of tense distant synths, ready to unleash in an instant.

 The record is finely crafted, its instruments oozing with texture and intensity, matched wonderfully to serve this nihilistic vision. I fumbled on first listen as Demigods struck me with Deja-Vu. Although not perfectly similar, the same melody can be heard playing out on Old Tower's Moonchamber track. Its amusing how memory works, instantly plucking it out of the darkness. Just a curious footnote for my experience with this darkly persuasive record. Its impressive, will have to seek out more from Health.

Rating: 7/10

Thursday 21 December 2023

Apashe "Antagonist" (2023)

An album of distinction and merit, Antagonist emerges from our times as a triumphant victor of eclectic musical tastes. Transcending obvious machinations, the Belgium musician unites the ages. The tight, bright and snappy percussion of EDM and blaring bass synths walks with Classical, Baroque and Renascence era music. With grace and vision these compositions revel in a found chemistry across two periods. Working in junction with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, songs are fully materialized. No scotch tape sampling and manipulation, these tracks were written for the real thing!

Apashe has a knack for understanding limelight, which elements are taking focus and how the narrative is steered by them. As such, stern strings within a strong symphony imposes powerful emotional sways and dramatic narratives. Hard percussion picks up the slack, allowing for stellar pivots into jolting groove and dance floor drive.

The arsenal is impeccable, from haunting shrill choirs to low-end dirty bass wobbles, all instruments, virtual or performed, have stunning fidelity. A case of fidelity highlighting how well built the foundations of these songs are. Apashe finds his own persuasive voice through this unlikely fusion, a word perhaps undermining of how sweetly this tracks ebb and flow. Chemistry is ever-present, at all degrees of emphasis on the aforementioned genres. I'm fondly reminded of IGORRR's brutal abominations.

Moving with another ace hidden up the sleeve, the thumping kick snares groves have a knack to subtly transform with a Hip Hop sensibility. As such, a handful of rappers pop into the fold at opportune times, delivering energizing verses. He gets a great one out of an aging Busta Rhymes. The record has a lot of guests, with a variety of singers lending their voices. At the mid point this soured a touch with sombre singing on Kyptonite and Rise At Nightfall lacking a connection with the instrumentals behind.

Its a minor blemish on a fantastic outing that revels with a sinister energy in its best moments. More grandiose thematic in nature, I found myself enjoying the spectacle immensely but not developing those deeper connections. Something about its flavor just lacked an infectious edge to wedge these songs in like ear worms. Fortunately, it does nestle in a couple of bangers! Apashe is one to keep a close eye on!

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 20 December 2023

Sierra "A Story Of Anger" (2023)

 

Introduced via a collaboration with Health, this French artist fits snugly into the dark electronic music I've been exploring of late. Not fully Synthwave, Aggro-tech or Electro-Industrial, Sierra rests in an inviting middle-ground. With brooding tones, she embarks on gloomy venture through moody indulgences broken up by bursts of dance adjacent energetic movement. Her voice is quite underwhelming, a half spoken presence muttering musings under her breath, occasionally mustering strength of presence. Soft and pleasant, it gets by but lets the focus fall on the instrumentals.

These virtual synths deliver snappy oscillated wave forms in range. From buzzing baselines to jittering melodies, an angular intensity lands these crisp arrangements fit for dystopian night life. Percussion is tight, hard thuds groove off claps and snares, always titled with an Industrial texture. Airy atmospheric synths drift in the gaps of these plucky arrangements, levers that can be dialed for the required direction.

As an album, its a fair listen, an overcast tone is set and explored but nothing much leaps of the page. With exception to Power, a collaboration with Carpenter Brut's who's excellence shines again. Bring about some urgency, sizzling melodies play off background sirens with sinister satisfaction. The albums best track, no doubts.

Rating: 5/10

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Crosses "Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete." (2023)

 

I was drawn to this project by Chino Moreno of Deftones, the vocal half of this dynamic duo. Drawing inspirations, moods and textures from the likes of Dream Pop, Electro-Industrial and Gothic, Ethereal adjacent music, the pair attempt to carve a distinct niche. Crosses, however, seem inescapable of Moreno's instrumental chemistry. His harmonies relate to melody and rhythm with an all to familiar cadence.

Not intent on exploring new vocal territory, the best of the twos chemistry aligns in the same space Deftones' magic sparks from. The record's most striking tracks could be mistaken for Deftones remixes. Is this a complaint? Absolutely not, just a clear observation. One half of whats to enjoy is firmly rooted in a familiar setting, which Moreno executes with that typical alluring charm. His brilliance never seems to tire.

Crosses' other half, Shaun Lopez, brings character and distinction. Exploring the aforementioned genres' moods, he guides songs with bold, striking percussion. Modern in crisp intensity and rhythmically jolting, groove or bounce aren't words that comes to mind. Steady tempo and snappy aesthetics seem to be key motivators. Shuffling crisp, bold strikes, they land resolute on swift attack and minimal reverbs.

These drum lines come counteracted by melancholic melodic instruments, often virtual but housed in enough echo and reverb to paint ambiguities. The atmospheric touch leans towards soft and darkly shadows, breeding self-indulged emotion reflections. Often Ethereal in tone, they brood without catchy melodies. That falls to Moreno, who most often plays a role of light peaking through sombre clouds.

This chemistry varies track to track, almost all its ideas evoke loose relations to the broad spectrum of Post-Punk evolution in music. For all its explorations, this seems just shy of greatness. Invisible Hand, which plays like a Deftones' remix, sets a high ceiling the rest of the record doesn't live up to. When it comes close, its Moreno's mainstay I'm reminded of. EL-P turns up for a fantastic collaboration. I'm sure he had a hand in the tracks baseline. A cracking listen for fans of anything mentioned here.

Rating: 6/10

Monday 11 December 2023

The Tiberian Sons "Anthems Of Liberation" (2023)

Looking beyond Command & Conquer, The Tiberian Sons paint a lively love letter to another 90s game franchise. I've never played Namco's Ace Combat series but if this record is a fair impression, then its got an impressive soundtrack! Anthems Of Liberation has songs from across the series. Unleashing bottled up classic VGM energy, the group channel this animated music into a lively Prog Rock / Metal adjacent tone. Its plastered with rich instrumentation, layers of orchestration, synths and human voicings emerge, coloring its rocking riffs and crooning shred guitar with warm spirit.

At times the songs take on a grandiosity when this aspect becomes the focus. When not, the drums drive forward competent riffs for lead instruments to dazzle and shine as the music speeds away. They seem like they are from different universes. One is serious, epic and dramatic. The other half fun, playful, sprinkled with the best of that Top Gun style cheese. Along its journey, the push and pull between its ends is fantastic, always bursting with attitude and charisma yet keeping it fresh.

Anthems Of Liberation is a wallop of fun from start to end, after many spins I can barely figure out what my favorite tracks are. I'm almost tempted to check out the game that inspired it! Or at least the original soundtrack music for now. This one is a fine record for when needing some animated energy to vibe on!

Rating: 8/10

Thursday 7 December 2023

In The Nursery "Anatomy Of A Poet" (1994)

In seeking out Neoclassical Darkwave adjacent music, Spotify chalked up this Sheffield based duo who've been active since the 80s. Anatomy Of A Poet features Colin Wilson orating his own poetry in brief stints on various tracks. With its musical concept laid out plain and clear, I've found myself baffled at the disposition between his solemn glum voice and the stunning strings arrangements that meddle around then current percussive trends. Touches of Dance, Industrial and Trip Hop appraise danceable droning drum loops, as cinematic sequences of stellar orchestration muster an emotional elegance. This chemistry is one I've come close to discovering before.

As the album progresses, brief strides of classy composition break up its powerful percussive sway. Acute melodies, subtle chords, unusual instrumentation textures and flashes of electronics craft dreamy hazes that resolve into warming strides of persuasive sound. Then walks in the over pronounced tongue of Colin, his meaty, chocked words break the spell, despite it clearly being central to the records concept.

Arriving at The Seventh Seal, the pair stretch for ambiguous cultural sounds, a tingle of Spanish guitar, sung with a Country tang feels uncomfortable. The following tracks lean further into the poetic waxing and recurring themes has its entrancing energy wain swiftly. The funeral gloom of November Trees almost sparks a spell but the spoken words simply don't align. Its final track, unapologetically embraces the droning cheese of 90s electronic energy, throwing another curb ball to derail what started out as a wonderus musical experience.

Rating: 5/10

Sunday 3 December 2023

Poppy "Zig" (2023)

 

Still one to follow for her creative ensemble of pop sensibilities and abrasive tones, Poppy returns with a similar set of mashed up sounds. As a pleasant vocal presence, one is drawn to the lyrics. Lightly cryptic, suggestive and occasionally humored, they rarely yield depth when wrapped up in a hook or catchy cadence. Her direct words muster more meaning with plain language, however none of it amounted to anything memorable for me. At times, a sense of reaching for a mischievous truth emerges.

Either way, the record doesn't hit on this front and neither does its bass groove oriented stints of cold calculated Electronica. Trading in overdrive guitars for distorted synths, the instrumentals often converge on flickering rhythmic drives, lavished in dispassionate texture, lacking emotion and accompanying melody. On occasion, atmospheric synths layer in some compassion but without its a rather lifeless stint.

After the droning disharmony of Zig passes, Poppy's voice opens up, some songs focusing on her melodies. A pleasant direction but only Motorbike strikes a nerve. Its soft Disco Funk grooves elevate the hook and color the song with an interesting subtle sway. On a better record, this might have been felt as a weak cut. Loaded with mediocrity, Zig was sadly somewhat of a bore, doing little to make itself known.

Rating: 4/10

Friday 1 December 2023

Nova Twins "Supernova" (2023)

Hailing from London, the Nova Twins are a dynamic duo with a typically modern broad assemble of aggressive, abrasive inspirations. Clearly children of the Internet era, one can hear echos of 90s Rap Rock energy and Nu Metal syncopation, with 00s darker electronic music shades manifesting beyond prior crossover restraints. Attitude is its a driving force, shouted raps, soft screams and occasionally Pop R&B tinged sung lines, all emphasizing prominence and status spitting in the face of external adversity.

 Their songs are varnished with an electronic, noisy textural vaneer. Often crashing in with crunchy guitar grooves, the accompanying atmosphere feels as unconventional as un-melodic sounds weave into the fold. Somewhat similar to the worbling of Dubstep drops, these noisy groans are softly abrasive, hard and barely rhythmic yet mixed with a forgiving presence to make their songs rather accessible to my ears.

Its an odd approach considering there is a lack of melody and catchy knacks to latch onto. The drumming is rather dull and predictable, leaving a lot resting on the vocals and grooves. Choose Your Fighter is the records best track, a moment where the instrumental ideology swells around a compelling moshable groove. The rest of the record falls short of this feat and feels mediocre, occasionally dull on its weaker cuts.

In a way, I am reminded of Limp Bizkit, a love hate band who's fans were most likely fresh to the ideas of Metal and Rap. I could easily see my teenage latching on to the wildness this record presents but as a seasoned listener, little here feels special, I've heard it all before. They do show signs of promise however, some musical evolution on this chemistry may turn heads in the future but right now its a touch juvenile.

Rating: 5/10

Tuesday 21 November 2023

Love Is Colder Than Death "Teignmouth" (1991)

 
A recent emotional plunge had me engrossed within the historical worldly sounds of Dead Can Dance again. Now armed with Spotify's magical recommendation algorithm, I'm turned onto more Neoclassic Darkwave music. Capturing the feeling of pre technological civilizations, Susann Heinrich's renaissance inspired singing musters a familiar burden, the crushing weight of biblical shame and life's hardships our ancestors once endured. Its wrapped in unease and tension, as suffering and gloom penetrates these songs mysterious beauties. Questo Mostrarsi embodies this religiosity as its funeral organs resonate with the sins of humanity, a world view that once enraptured humans across Europe just a handful of centuries ago.

When incorporating percussion and keyboards, its performances are stiff and jagged, often breaking its own spell to some extent. Jolting hysterical sounds jostle in on occasion, as if to create a haunting vessel emerging from the shadows. Its bold edges are enjoyable when embracing its vision but much of this amateurish tonality seems so close to something stellar, had its production been more organically cultivated. These bold, punchy sounds further their presence in the records second half when Ralf Donis steps up, his stoic singing lingers in the shadow of his peer. More electronic sounds bustle in, Ralf deploying snarly sneers and groaned vocals which have the music bordering Skinny Puppy's Electro-Industrial with Chorn. The following Wild World has its moment as the two styles find a gripping chemistry together.

A common finality of curation comes to mind. Teignmouth engrosses one in a cultured, religious, historical worldly spell but consistency pulls us out as its stark execution breaks the magic. Caught between two ideas and lacking the finesse to pull it off, this sits with me as a flawed record that can be loved for Heinrich's voice who pulls us into its vision. With that, I am certain more spins would grow fonder, however I am keen and curious to go down this rabbit hole with new tools of discovery! Had to blurt out my thoughts and move on swiftly.

Rating: 6/10

Friday 6 October 2023

3TEETH "EndEx" (2023)

 

Competently entertaining yet lacking a defining feature, 3TEETH returns, armed with a force of subdued aggression that gets wrapped up in its own mechanical dystopian aesthetics. Their fourth effort, EndEx, plays out a string of songs, ambling through intensities, wandering aimless along a disgruntled landscape of urban decay.

 Collaborating with Mick Gordon of Doom soundtrack notoriety, their combined chemistry yields little obvious beyond the siren likes synths that blare distress behind chunky guitar riffs. It feels like a missed opportunity to elevate the musical blueprint. Perhaps his influence goes beyond its credits as the whole record feels cohesive.

On first listen, EndEx felt like a flop, passing without grabbing my attention. Repetitious listens unveiled a lack of hooks and "bangers". This record has mood, aesthetics and atmosphere. It lacks songs, memorable moments and biting lyrics. Riffs are found within its arsenal, often disconnected from the music it emerges from.

Its most memorable moment goes to Ho99o9, the duos energy injecting much needed novelty to latch onto, their shout raps fitting the distress of the guitars. I'm left with little to say, a fun listen but lacks a command of ones attention to force its artistic intent.

Rating: 5/10