The Gothic Radio Top 10 of 2002
Well here they are, Gothic Radio's Top 10 of 2002. Remember we are trying to include releases from all of the formats we play here. With this in mind it was terribly difficult to keep our selections down to just 10. Also we would of course have included "The Best of Gothic Radio, Volume 1" in this list as we feel it deserves it but since the opinion would be too overtly biased we thought we would just mention it in case you havent had a chance to listen to it. Enjoy our findings and PLEASE feel free to comment, good or bad.
Black Tape for a Blue Girl - Scavenger Bride
A concept album that takes you through the emotional depths of a new bride and her existence, this CD is one of those that works best when listened to from beginning to end in one sitting. Inspired in part by the writings of Franz Kafka and the artworks of Marcel Duchamp, this CD lends itself to a more "worldly" listener and comes complete with a 24 page insert that is filled with art and photo's that correspond to the theme. Some tracks may be too light and airy but overall a great album that deserves to be in your collection.
Stoa - Zal
If you like your music to be more classically influenced with tragic overtones then you need to add this disc to your collection. This album makes it's mark with thematic and haunting songs throughout. Emphasizing the brilliant piano work with a cello, oboe and light vocals this CD is right at home on the Ethereal and Vampyric channels and with 7 out of 11 tracks making it on to our playlist you know they must be doing something right. The CD sounds remarkably close to "New Age" in places and that might turn some listeners off but as a whole it really finds it's mark.
Zoar - In The Bloodlit Dark
Easily one of the best entries into the Vampyric arena for the year, the album encapsulates so many aspects of "darker" music that it could not be overlooked. Mixing classical instruments with modern sampling and sound effects to create an ominous feel, it really is an impressive soundscape. Add to all of this the fact that the song "Secrets of the Dead" has actually filled dancefloors for myself and other DJ's as well as being the opening track for the TV series on the Discovery Channel and you can start to see why this CD was included here. A bit of space noise in places detracts from the highlights of this CD but not enough to make the listener lose interest.
Peter Murphy - Dust
I must say that a lot of people I talk to aren't as impressed with this CD as I was so I was a bit tentative about including it here. I piled up a bunch of CD's I wanted to review again for this segment and I took another listen to "Dust" and it was still just as impressive to me. While not as accessible to the mainstream gothic community as his previous works this one stands out mainly because of his incorporation of non-standard musical instruments and arrangements. I think this little clip from my previous review says it all: "By stripping down the layers and using a minimalistic approach to the songs you get the feel that "Dust" is Peter's serious attempt to discard any thing that may have tied him to his past "gothic dance floor" image and while he just may have succeeded in that, the foundation he revealed is still one of a darkened soul and that is something he cannot remove."
Christopher - Wer Next Project
Being the only self-released Cd in our top 10 should say enough about this disc to make you go get it. If you need more promting from me then here it is: "..his exceptional music crosses over so many boundaries and uses the best of each. Haunting, middle eastern styled, musical backdrops surrounded by layers of vocals and background melodies all kept together with a magical, musical net. It's just as hard to describe as it is to categorize and Christopher gets thumbs up based on that alone. These compositions really don't have much wrong with them in the way of production, arrangement or songwriting...One of the reasons I give it only 4 stars is so I have headroom for more of his future projects."
Pig - Genuine American Monster
It was difficult for me to pick out an album that epitomized the Dark Entries channel because by nature it is such a vast mixture of styles that it makes picking a representative nearly impossible. I get many e-mails from people wondering what that channel is about and what's up with playing (insert band name here) at your station, their not gothic? This album is my response. Dark, heavy and fun all at the same time. Mixing rebellious rock and roll attitudes and sounds with gothic ideology and lyrics and stirring in Industrial electronics and sampling for flavor is an odd recipe for success but too interesting to overlook. Songs that are heavy enough to make Rob Zombie shudder right next to a gothic mambo, are they crazy? Well if you were a musician in bands like Psychic TV, Einsturzende Neubauten and KMFDM wouldn't you be? A couple tracks are just annoying enough to warrant the FF button but overall a psychotic masterpiece .
Covenant - Northern Light
My initial review had a rating of 3.5 stars for this album. After spending more time with it I have since upgraded it to 4 and climbing. The production on this album is downright amazing and though I don't really like all the songs on it I can recognize the brilliance that went into making them. Gothic anthems, industrial stompers and heart string pullers laid out like a road map on how to make an album, as I stated before a bit formulated but at least it is a good formula. " Winter Comes" is one of those songs that MAKES you notice it and with the exception of "We Want Revolution" the album really doesn't have a bad song on it. A good voice and intelligent lyrics can really go a long way too.
Red Flag - Codebreaker
My original assesment of this album was correct, it is an incredible album. The only problem I even have with this album is that it starts to become a little heavy on the "love" theme after about the 6th or 7th track. Good love, or lack of love, songs but not nearly as good as the opening numbers. "Eternal Flame" just grabs you and draws you into this album and the neat production tricks used on the chorus are just fascinating to the listener. The next track "Shadow Warrior" is a dance floor packer for sure and DJ's across the country are going to LOVE this song. Mixing modern style gothic overtones and a mix between Synthpop and Industrial lend this album a very futuristic feel and sound that sets it apart. If you don't already own it I highly suggest you go get it ASAP!
Diary of Dreams - Freak Perfume
My first review stated "The more I listen to this album, the more I like it and I liked it A LOT when I first heard it." I have been able to listen to it a lot more since then and yes it did keep getting better. The only adjective that can adequately describe this album is deep. Deep rich vocals, deep thought provoking lyrics, deep layers of intertwined arrangements and musical choreography. Dance hits like "The Curse" as well as industrial dance numbers like "She" abound on this deep, well thought out album. Dichotomous with it's scary brilliance, if I had to pick an album of the year this would be it. Be forewarned however that this CD can take you to a very dark place and I am sure it was written with just that intent. Moody, briliant and did I mention deep?
Honorable mention goes out to:
Mindless Faith - "Manifest Destiny"
Icon of Coil - "The Soul is in the Software"
Funker Vogt - "Survivor"
Emilie Autumn - "Enchant"
Collection D’Arnell-Andrea - "Tristesse des Maines"
This Morn Omina - "7 Years of Famine"
Belisha - " People of the Dark"
Frogpad - "Scheme"
High Priestess - "Sellisternia
Assemblage 23- "Defiance"
I hope you were able to gain some information from this section and use it to add music to your collection. A big thanx goes out to all the bands we play here at the station as well as all of you listeners that have made us a household name in the community. Feel free to add your comments or opinions and have a great new year!
Well here they are, Gothic Radio's Top 10 of 2002. Remember we are trying to include releases from all of the formats we play here. With this in mind it was terribly difficult to keep our selections down to just 10. Also we would of course have included "The Best of Gothic Radio, Volume 1" in this list as we feel it deserves it but since the opinion would be too overtly biased we thought we would just mention it in case you havent had a chance to listen to it. Enjoy our findings and PLEASE feel free to comment, good or bad.
Black Tape for a Blue Girl - Scavenger Bride A concept album that takes you through the emotional depths of a new bride and her existence, this CD is one of those that works best when listened to from beginning to end in one sitting. Inspired in part by the writings of Franz Kafka and the artworks of Marcel Duchamp, this CD lends itself to a more "worldly" listener and comes complete with a 24 page insert that is filled with art and photo's that correspond to the theme. Some tracks may be too light and airy but overall a great album that deserves to be in your collection.
Stoa - Zal If you like your music to be more classically influenced with tragic overtones then you need to add this disc to your collection. This album makes it's mark with thematic and haunting songs throughout. Emphasizing the brilliant piano work with a cello, oboe and light vocals this CD is right at home on the Ethereal and Vampyric channels and with 7 out of 11 tracks making it on to our playlist you know they must be doing something right. The CD sounds remarkably close to "New Age" in places and that might turn some listeners off but as a whole it really finds it's mark.
Zoar - In The Bloodlit Dark Easily one of the best entries into the Vampyric arena for the year, the album encapsulates so many aspects of "darker" music that it could not be overlooked. Mixing classical instruments with modern sampling and sound effects to create an ominous feel, it really is an impressive soundscape. Add to all of this the fact that the song "Secrets of the Dead" has actually filled dancefloors for myself and other DJ's as well as being the opening track for the TV series on the Discovery Channel and you can start to see why this CD was included here. A bit of space noise in places detracts from the highlights of this CD but not enough to make the listener lose interest.
Peter Murphy - Dust I must say that a lot of people I talk to aren't as impressed with this CD as I was so I was a bit tentative about including it here. I piled up a bunch of CD's I wanted to review again for this segment and I took another listen to "Dust" and it was still just as impressive to me. While not as accessible to the mainstream gothic community as his previous works this one stands out mainly because of his incorporation of non-standard musical instruments and arrangements. I think this little clip from my previous review says it all: "By stripping down the layers and using a minimalistic approach to the songs you get the feel that "Dust" is Peter's serious attempt to discard any thing that may have tied him to his past "gothic dance floor" image and while he just may have succeeded in that, the foundation he revealed is still one of a darkened soul and that is something he cannot remove."
Christopher - Wer Next Project Being the only self-released Cd in our top 10 should say enough about this disc to make you go get it. If you need more promting from me then here it is: "..his exceptional music crosses over so many boundaries and uses the best of each. Haunting, middle eastern styled, musical backdrops surrounded by layers of vocals and background melodies all kept together with a magical, musical net. It's just as hard to describe as it is to categorize and Christopher gets thumbs up based on that alone. These compositions really don't have much wrong with them in the way of production, arrangement or songwriting...One of the reasons I give it only 4 stars is so I have headroom for more of his future projects."
Pig - Genuine American Monster It was difficult for me to pick out an album that epitomized the Dark Entries channel because by nature it is such a vast mixture of styles that it makes picking a representative nearly impossible. I get many e-mails from people wondering what that channel is about and what's up with playing (insert band name here) at your station, their not gothic? This album is my response. Dark, heavy and fun all at the same time. Mixing rebellious rock and roll attitudes and sounds with gothic ideology and lyrics and stirring in Industrial electronics and sampling for flavor is an odd recipe for success but too interesting to overlook. Songs that are heavy enough to make Rob Zombie shudder right next to a gothic mambo, are they crazy? Well if you were a musician in bands like Psychic TV, Einsturzende Neubauten and KMFDM wouldn't you be? A couple tracks are just annoying enough to warrant the FF button but overall a psychotic masterpiece .
Covenant - Northern Light My initial review had a rating of 3.5 stars for this album. After spending more time with it I have since upgraded it to 4 and climbing. The production on this album is downright amazing and though I don't really like all the songs on it I can recognize the brilliance that went into making them. Gothic anthems, industrial stompers and heart string pullers laid out like a road map on how to make an album, as I stated before a bit formulated but at least it is a good formula. " Winter Comes" is one of those songs that MAKES you notice it and with the exception of "We Want Revolution" the album really doesn't have a bad song on it. A good voice and intelligent lyrics can really go a long way too.
Red Flag - Codebreaker My original assesment of this album was correct, it is an incredible album. The only problem I even have with this album is that it starts to become a little heavy on the "love" theme after about the 6th or 7th track. Good love, or lack of love, songs but not nearly as good as the opening numbers. "Eternal Flame" just grabs you and draws you into this album and the neat production tricks used on the chorus are just fascinating to the listener. The next track "Shadow Warrior" is a dance floor packer for sure and DJ's across the country are going to LOVE this song. Mixing modern style gothic overtones and a mix between Synthpop and Industrial lend this album a very futuristic feel and sound that sets it apart. If you don't already own it I highly suggest you go get it ASAP!
Diary of Dreams - Freak Perfume My first review stated "The more I listen to this album, the more I like it and I liked it A LOT when I first heard it." I have been able to listen to it a lot more since then and yes it did keep getting better. The only adjective that can adequately describe this album is deep. Deep rich vocals, deep thought provoking lyrics, deep layers of intertwined arrangements and musical choreography. Dance hits like "The Curse" as well as industrial dance numbers like "She" abound on this deep, well thought out album. Dichotomous with it's scary brilliance, if I had to pick an album of the year this would be it. Be forewarned however that this CD can take you to a very dark place and I am sure it was written with just that intent. Moody, briliant and did I mention deep?
Honorable mention goes out to:
Mindless Faith - "Manifest Destiny"
Icon of Coil - "The Soul is in the Software"
Funker Vogt - "Survivor"
Emilie Autumn - "Enchant"
Collection D’Arnell-Andrea - "Tristesse des Maines"
This Morn Omina - "7 Years of Famine"
Belisha - " People of the Dark"
Frogpad - "Scheme"
High Priestess - "Sellisternia
Assemblage 23- "Defiance"
I hope you were able to gain some information from this section and use it to add music to your collection. A big thanx goes out to all the bands we play here at the station as well as all of you listeners that have made us a household name in the community. Feel free to add your comments or opinions and have a great new year!
In Order to Catch Up
I am going to have to limit my reviews of the past few albums to just a blurb. Click on the stars to get a better definition of the ir ranking.
Covenant - Northern Light
The album sounds a bit formulated...the formula is still a good one though.
Red Flag - Codebreaker
What an incredible album, both gothic and industrial as well as solid throughout!
Human Drama - Cause and Effect
Johnny Indovina returns with a solid release, even if it is a bit folkish.
Project Pitchfork - Inferno
Not as good as older Project Pitchfork but better than a lot of new stuff being released.
Assemblage 23 - Defiance
Assemblage 23 strikes again, this one just doesn't go straight through the heart.
Funker Vogt - Survivor
The BEST Funker Vogt that I have heard to date, if you like yours heavy and germanic that is!
Diary of Dreams - Freak Perfume
The more I listen to this album, the more I like it and I liked it A LOT when I first heard it.
Sorry everything had to be so brief but I think now you are caught up with the releases that impressed me the most since I last had a chance to write up some reviews here. Coming up by the end of the month will be our first ever Top 10 of Gothic Radio!
I am going to have to limit my reviews of the past few albums to just a blurb. Click on the stars to get a better definition of the ir ranking.
Covenant - Northern Light The album sounds a bit formulated...the formula is still a good one though.
Red Flag - Codebreaker What an incredible album, both gothic and industrial as well as solid throughout!
Human Drama - Cause and Effect Johnny Indovina returns with a solid release, even if it is a bit folkish.
Project Pitchfork - Inferno Not as good as older Project Pitchfork but better than a lot of new stuff being released.
Assemblage 23 - Defiance Assemblage 23 strikes again, this one just doesn't go straight through the heart.
Funker Vogt - Survivor The BEST Funker Vogt that I have heard to date, if you like yours heavy and germanic that is!
Diary of Dreams - Freak Perfume The more I listen to this album, the more I like it and I liked it A LOT when I first heard it.
Sorry everything had to be so brief but I think now you are caught up with the releases that impressed me the most since I last had a chance to write up some reviews here. Coming up by the end of the month will be our first ever Top 10 of Gothic Radio!
Been Away for so long....
Besides DJing all over the western half of the country, creating a new album (The Best of Gothic Radio,Volume 1,) eating and breathing I haven't had the time to do any reviews over the past 6 months. I am going to get back into the swing of things this month with some more CD reviews for our listeners and a yearly event, The top 10 of Gothic Radio. I am going to try to include songs from every channel in our yearly top 10 so only the CREAM of the crop will be included. Stay tuned for more!
Besides DJing all over the western half of the country, creating a new album (The Best of Gothic Radio,Volume 1,) eating and breathing I haven't had the time to do any reviews over the past 6 months. I am going to get back into the swing of things this month with some more CD reviews for our listeners and a yearly event, The top 10 of Gothic Radio. I am going to try to include songs from every channel in our yearly top 10 so only the CREAM of the crop will be included. Stay tuned for more!
The separation of the classes
I purposely found 2 bands of distinctly different styles that are both considered industrial and wrote those 2 reviews right next to each other to make a point here. Yes there are very different styles of gothic and industrial and yes people are even starting to separate themselves within the subculture based on these differences. It's getting so ridiculous people are claiming "that band is not Gothic that band is Deathrock" or "that band is not Industrial they're synth-pop" or something similar. What a bunch of self righteous crap...making some band appear more in alignment with your particular distinction of the "Gothic" sub-culture does not make you or the band any cooler. I would be more impressed if everyone could identify and appreciate good music even if it is not your style. Do you think the mainstream fight over what style of music the ever changing Madonna is? Good music is good music, enjoy that fact that we now have several different kinds to choose from....
I purposely found 2 bands of distinctly different styles that are both considered industrial and wrote those 2 reviews right next to each other to make a point here. Yes there are very different styles of gothic and industrial and yes people are even starting to separate themselves within the subculture based on these differences. It's getting so ridiculous people are claiming "that band is not Gothic that band is Deathrock" or "that band is not Industrial they're synth-pop" or something similar. What a bunch of self righteous crap...making some band appear more in alignment with your particular distinction of the "Gothic" sub-culture does not make you or the band any cooler. I would be more impressed if everyone could identify and appreciate good music even if it is not your style. Do you think the mainstream fight over what style of music the ever changing Madonna is? Good music is good music, enjoy that fact that we now have several different kinds to choose from....
Icon of Coil - The Soul is in the Software
This album contains the next big dancefloor hit, you heard here, from me, first. "Simulated" has all of the great synth parts, formulated dance beat, catchy vocal lines and everything else it needs to become the next "Dead Stars" of the Industr ial dance floor...count on it. The whole album is filled with catchy material that just grooves along and makes you feel like moving some part of your body. Even the slower stuff like "In Absence" has some sort of catchy melody that lingers on well after the song is over. Dispensing the use of "Trash Can" vocals for a more synth-pop style, I think Icon of Coil has found their strength. While not EVERY song on the album is as good as "Simulated" NONE are bad enough to have you reaching for the fast-forwa rd butto n, something not many albums in any genre can claim. My major complaint of the CD is that a couple of songs are just too beboppy and reminiscent of bad 80's dance music and they sound very out of place with the other impressive tracks on the disc.nn
This album contains the next big dancefloor hit, you heard here, from me, first. "Simulated" has all of the great synth parts, formulated dance beat, catchy vocal lines and everything else it needs to become the next "Dead Stars" of the Industr ial dance floor...count on it. The whole album is filled with catchy material that just grooves along and makes you feel like moving some part of your body. Even the slower stuff like "In Absence" has some sort of catchy melody that lingers on well after the song is over. Dispensing the use of "Trash Can" vocals for a more synth-pop style, I think Icon of Coil has found their strength. While not EVERY song on the album is as good as "Simulated" NONE are bad enough to have you reaching for the fast-forwa rd butto n, something not many albums in any genre can claim. My major complaint of the CD is that a couple of songs are just too beboppy and reminiscent of bad 80's dance music and they sound very out of place with the other impressive tracks on the disc.nn
This Morn Omina - 7 Years of Famine
When I first heard the term Industrial being applied to a form of music, this is exactly the style of sound my mind conjured up. A Harsh, often metallic sounding, thrashing beat that gnaws it's way into your psyche while keeping rhythm. This album is cacophonous, melodic, abrasive and endearing all at the same time. "One Eyed Man" sounds like the third reich is invading your stereo and is brilliantly woven around samples and instruments of unknown origin. When listening to this album I find myself constantly trying to figure out how or what they make the sounds with...these are not your typical sampled ooomph drum tracks and they get high marks just based on that. With plenty of songs or parts of songs that are HIGHLY danceable but nothing sounding like your average rivethead dance beat, this complex music leaves it's mark in you and makes you want to hear more. The lack of vocals is both detracting and a welcome change, I can't imagine someone being able to sing over this style of Industrial music anyway...
When I first heard the term Industrial being applied to a form of music, this is exactly the style of sound my mind conjured up. A Harsh, often metallic sounding, thrashing beat that gnaws it's way into your psyche while keeping rhythm. This album is cacophonous, melodic, abrasive and endearing all at the same time. "One Eyed Man" sounds like the third reich is invading your stereo and is brilliantly woven around samples and instruments of unknown origin. When listening to this album I find myself constantly trying to figure out how or what they make the sounds with...these are not your typical sampled ooomph drum tracks and they get high marks just based on that. With plenty of songs or parts of songs that are HIGHLY danceable but nothing sounding like your average rivethead dance beat, this complex music leaves it's mark in you and makes you want to hear more. The lack of vocals is both detracting and a welcome change, I can't imagine someone being able to sing over this style of Industrial music anyway...
Peter Murphy - Dust
Dust is Peter's attempt move away from his gothic label and western culture oriented music all in one fell swoop. Peter uses "World" musicians to layer exotic instruments and eastern styles which really accentuates his baritone nicely. Instruments you may never have heard of such as an Ud or a Cumbus with eastern musical style phrasing and chords makes the album both interesting to hear and difficult to appreciate. Peter still infuses enough European feel to satiate the palate of most of the western world but this alb um is definitely NOT your typical gothic fare. By stripping down the layers and using a minimalistic approach to the songs you get the feel that Dust is Peter's serious attempt to discard any thing that may have tied him to his past "gothic dance floor" image. While he just may have succeeded in that, the foundation he revealed is still one of a darkened soul and that is something he cannot remove. The first track "Things to Remember" will still make it to dance floors around the world with it's haunt ing beauty and mantra of "...love anything..." I applaud him on the exotic work and the bravery to attempt new things, while at the same time once again revealing his true nature..
Dust is Peter's attempt move away from his gothic label and western culture oriented music all in one fell swoop. Peter uses "World" musicians to layer exotic instruments and eastern styles which really accentuates his baritone nicely. Instruments you may never have heard of such as an Ud or a Cumbus with eastern musical style phrasing and chords makes the album both interesting to hear and difficult to appreciate. Peter still infuses enough European feel to satiate the palate of most of the western world but this alb um is definitely NOT your typical gothic fare. By stripping down the layers and using a minimalistic approach to the songs you get the feel that Dust is Peter's serious attempt to discard any thing that may have tied him to his past "gothic dance floor" image. While he just may have succeeded in that, the foundation he revealed is still one of a darkened soul and that is something he cannot remove. The first track "Things to Remember" will still make it to dance floors around the world with it's haunt ing beauty and mantra of "...love anything..." I applaud him on the exotic work and the bravery to attempt new things, while at the same time once again revealing his true nature..
Gothing the Oscars
Last night I DJ-ed for the Miramax post oscar party and besides the incredible honor of meeting Sir Paul McCartney the only other notable aspect of the night was mixing in Gothic and Gothically inclined music when no one was looking. A Collide song here, a Siousxie song there..DCD and Lorenna McKennit and a few others just to see who was paying attention. The REALLY interesting part was people asking me "who did that song?" or "that was beautiful, where can I get a copy?" whenever I played a "Gothic" song and not even flinching when I popped in some modern pop or dance music. Looks like the mainstream society actually CAN distinguish between good and mediocre music, they are probably just afraid to let any of their friends know that they actually have taste. It's a wild and wonderful world we live in...isn't it?
Last night I DJ-ed for the Miramax post oscar party and besides the incredible honor of meeting Sir Paul McCartney the only other notable aspect of the night was mixing in Gothic and Gothically inclined music when no one was looking. A Collide song here, a Siousxie song there..DCD and Lorenna McKennit and a few others just to see who was paying attention. The REALLY interesting part was people asking me "who did that song?" or "that was beautiful, where can I get a copy?" whenever I played a "Gothic" song and not even flinching when I popped in some modern pop or dance music. Looks like the mainstream society actually CAN distinguish between good and mediocre music, they are probably just afraid to let any of their friends know that they actually have taste. It's a wild and wonderful world we live in...isn't it?
The Blue Man Group - Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
I can't think of anything I can possibly say to prepare you for this show. This show leaves you breathless with a musical backdrop that is sonically overwhelming and intricately interwoven as well as choreographed skits that leave you thinking at the same time they are making you laugh. While not Gothic per se this show is DEFINITELY Gothic friendly, in both the musical format (mostly tribal drums on industrial instruments) and the subtle messages being delivered. While aimed to please a broader audience We still had people sitting around us ask about certain aspects of the show that I thought were quite obvious, that made me enjoy the show even more. The show is inundated with technical trickery and stunning visuals that leave you mesmerized as you try to digest them. Sometimes hilarious and very audience interactive these guys have developed a concept that is so new and innovative you will have a hard time explaining it to people who haven't experienced it. Both technologically advanced and urbanely simplistic in it's deliverance this show has it all. If you are in Vegas or any of the other cities they perform at you owe it to yourself to see the performance because you will NEVER see a group of mimes like this in your whole life...ever.
I can't think of anything I can possibly say to prepare you for this show. This show leaves you breathless with a musical backdrop that is sonically overwhelming and intricately interwoven as well as choreographed skits that leave you thinking at the same time they are making you laugh. While not Gothic per se this show is DEFINITELY Gothic friendly, in both the musical format (mostly tribal drums on industrial instruments) and the subtle messages being delivered. While aimed to please a broader audience We still had people sitting around us ask about certain aspects of the show that I thought were quite obvious, that made me enjoy the show even more. The show is inundated with technical trickery and stunning visuals that leave you mesmerized as you try to digest them. Sometimes hilarious and very audience interactive these guys have developed a concept that is so new and innovative you will have a hard time explaining it to people who haven't experienced it. Both technologically advanced and urbanely simplistic in it's deliverance this show has it all. If you are in Vegas or any of the other cities they perform at you owe it to yourself to see the performance because you will NEVER see a group of mimes like this in your whole life...ever.
Mindless Faith - Manifest Destiny
Because of technical difficulties here at the station this album sat on my desk for quite sometime before I was able to review it. I kept seeing it sitting there and I remember almost cringing with the thought of having to listen to it before I picked a song or two to place into rotation. The state of industrial music with it's trash can vocals and repetitive drum loops and programming has apparently left a really bad taste in my mouth. Thank the Gods for bands like Mindless Faith, who managed with one album to put my faith back into the genre. If you like your industrial HEAVY with an edge and machine like over tones then this album is for you. If you are into more of the synth-pop type of industrial music then steer your money towards the VNV release because this CD has teeth and is not afraid to use them. The first track "Vultures" makes you climb aboard this fast moving train into the bowels of the machine and tracks like "Incubation" make sure you are firmly strapped in for the long haul. This album is laced with intelligent lyrics, good singing and the vocals are not too over processed (you will notice this is a pet peeve of mine...if you can't sing, don't...) Manifest Destiny fluctuates almost perfectly between the slower and more somber, hard edged songs right into the up tempo thump of 130 bpms of pure dance grooves. Mindless Faith shows that good industrial music does NOT have to be repetitive in nature. This one goes in the car and up loud!
Because of technical difficulties here at the station this album sat on my desk for quite sometime before I was able to review it. I kept seeing it sitting there and I remember almost cringing with the thought of having to listen to it before I picked a song or two to place into rotation. The state of industrial music with it's trash can vocals and repetitive drum loops and programming has apparently left a really bad taste in my mouth. Thank the Gods for bands like Mindless Faith, who managed with one album to put my faith back into the genre. If you like your industrial HEAVY with an edge and machine like over tones then this album is for you. If you are into more of the synth-pop type of industrial music then steer your money towards the VNV release because this CD has teeth and is not afraid to use them. The first track "Vultures" makes you climb aboard this fast moving train into the bowels of the machine and tracks like "Incubation" make sure you are firmly strapped in for the long haul. This album is laced with intelligent lyrics, good singing and the vocals are not too over processed (you will notice this is a pet peeve of mine...if you can't sing, don't...) Manifest Destiny fluctuates almost perfectly between the slower and more somber, hard edged songs right into the up tempo thump of 130 bpms of pure dance grooves. Mindless Faith shows that good industrial music does NOT have to be repetitive in nature. This one goes in the car and up loud!
VNV Nation - Futureperfect
VNV Nation has become a household name amongst the industrial club goer's these days, due in part to releases of quality work like this. Rather than trying to redefine themselves each time they go into a studio they take a single aspect of their former album and expand on it. This album seems to be capitalizing on the synth-pop trend that is prevalent amongst the clubs these days, mostly because of VNV's influence in the first place. With vocals that are quite discernable and catchy, melodic musical selections these boys show how you can combine the industrial world with the synth-pop world and make it work. While not quite the incredible work of Assemblage 23, VNV is still not far off the mark and songs like "Electronaut" and "Beloved" should be dance floor hits in the next few months. There are enough good tracks on this album like "Genesis," "Structure," and the aforementioned 2 tracks that trying to pick a good single to release may be a problem for Metropolis records. Art work and packaging leaves a LOT to be desired and the repetitive aspect of this album downgrades it a bit but I would still recommend it to the rivetheads I know.
VNV Nation has become a household name amongst the industrial club goer's these days, due in part to releases of quality work like this. Rather than trying to redefine themselves each time they go into a studio they take a single aspect of their former album and expand on it. This album seems to be capitalizing on the synth-pop trend that is prevalent amongst the clubs these days, mostly because of VNV's influence in the first place. With vocals that are quite discernable and catchy, melodic musical selections these boys show how you can combine the industrial world with the synth-pop world and make it work. While not quite the incredible work of Assemblage 23, VNV is still not far off the mark and songs like "Electronaut" and "Beloved" should be dance floor hits in the next few months. There are enough good tracks on this album like "Genesis," "Structure," and the aforementioned 2 tracks that trying to pick a good single to release may be a problem for Metropolis records. Art work and packaging leaves a LOT to be desired and the repetitive aspect of this album downgrades it a bit but I would still recommend it to the rivetheads I know.
Grigori 3 - Megotholis (DEMO)
This cd is also the bands demo, and unfortunately it still has demo quality production values. Because of that and a few other subtle nuances here and there I could only give them 4 stars for their work. This music contained is actually not very gothic but more harder edged industrial/rock with gothic influences. Think along the lines of Rammstein or Rob Zombie but altogether different than that. This band has crafted a unique sound all it's own with layers of HEAVY guitar riffs, grooving bass lines, a real drummer (yes they still exist,) incredible programming and sampling. Just when you get your mind wrapped around this luxurious, cacophony of sound, Gwendy Bartolini chimes in with almost angelic but powerful vocals and whisks you away to her world. Songs like "Awakening" and "Megotholis" would feel at home both on the dance floor or on an alternative radio station with better production and in the car, turned up loud these songs MOVE you. Put it simply, this band rocks! They do it with a mix of old world and new technology that hasn't really been used much before and then add a haunting female voice to the mix. Every song they have submitted me thus far is in rotation here, that by itself should say enough...
This cd is also the bands demo, and unfortunately it still has demo quality production values. Because of that and a few other subtle nuances here and there I could only give them 4 stars for their work. This music contained is actually not very gothic but more harder edged industrial/rock with gothic influences. Think along the lines of Rammstein or Rob Zombie but altogether different than that. This band has crafted a unique sound all it's own with layers of HEAVY guitar riffs, grooving bass lines, a real drummer (yes they still exist,) incredible programming and sampling. Just when you get your mind wrapped around this luxurious, cacophony of sound, Gwendy Bartolini chimes in with almost angelic but powerful vocals and whisks you away to her world. Songs like "Awakening" and "Megotholis" would feel at home both on the dance floor or on an alternative radio station with better production and in the car, turned up loud these songs MOVE you. Put it simply, this band rocks! They do it with a mix of old world and new technology that hasn't really been used much before and then add a haunting female voice to the mix. Every song they have submitted me thus far is in rotation here, that by itself should say enough...
The Aversion - DEMO
Keep in mind that this cd I am reviewing is the bands first demo I believe, not that it needs any qualification anyway. It is just so hard for me to fathom that bands like this can exist almost unknown to the populace but at the same time be so talented. If you put these guys in a great studio with a great producer the album you would get out of them would only be slightly better than their demo! The arrangements are flawless with very danceable beats, the melodies and hooks grab you and draw you in and the lyrics are well thought out. Arnold Phillips goes one better and does something not too many male singers are doing these days, he SINGS without the "trashcan" or distorted vocals that are becoming popular in industrial and harder edged Gothic/Darkwave music. He sings and he sings well, complementing the music perfectly. This demo shares recognition with 2 other amazing CD's (Grigori 3's, "Megotholis" and Oneiroid Psychosis's, "Garden of Remembrance") here at the station as having EVERY song on it in rotation. If you haven't heard them yet click on the image to go to their MP-3 site and thank me later. If you haven't heard OF them yet it is only a matter of time before they become a household name amongst the genre, especially in the club and DJ scene.
Keep in mind that this cd I am reviewing is the bands first demo I believe, not that it needs any qualification anyway. It is just so hard for me to fathom that bands like this can exist almost unknown to the populace but at the same time be so talented. If you put these guys in a great studio with a great producer the album you would get out of them would only be slightly better than their demo! The arrangements are flawless with very danceable beats, the melodies and hooks grab you and draw you in and the lyrics are well thought out. Arnold Phillips goes one better and does something not too many male singers are doing these days, he SINGS without the "trashcan" or distorted vocals that are becoming popular in industrial and harder edged Gothic/Darkwave music. He sings and he sings well, complementing the music perfectly. This demo shares recognition with 2 other amazing CD's (Grigori 3's, "Megotholis" and Oneiroid Psychosis's, "Garden of Remembrance") here at the station as having EVERY song on it in rotation. If you haven't heard them yet click on the image to go to their MP-3 site and thank me later. If you haven't heard OF them yet it is only a matter of time before they become a household name amongst the genre, especially in the club and DJ scene.
Ego Likeness - Dragonfly
I knew I would like this album from the art it was packaged in. Of course I say that a lot and I am often disappointed. Not this time... Using ethnic musical backdrops (middle eastern, celtic and latin I believe) mixed with industrial beats and sampling is not a new theme but it is also not often choreographed this well. The trip-hop on songs like "The Map is Not The Territory", while subdued, is still apparent and actually adds an almost "6th sense" to some of the songs. The only major flaw I can even attribute to the trip-goth format is the redundant drum loops. A little more ingenuity in that department would have significantly helped this album. It is still a good listening experience with portions of songs being GREAT dance numbers if mixed in and faded out just right. The songs are rich in texture with good production and when they figure out how to pull the whole complex configuration of elements together this musical style will be wonderfully refreshing.
I knew I would like this album from the art it was packaged in. Of course I say that a lot and I am often disappointed. Not this time... Using ethnic musical backdrops (middle eastern, celtic and latin I believe) mixed with industrial beats and sampling is not a new theme but it is also not often choreographed this well. The trip-hop on songs like "The Map is Not The Territory", while subdued, is still apparent and actually adds an almost "6th sense" to some of the songs. The only major flaw I can even attribute to the trip-goth format is the redundant drum loops. A little more ingenuity in that department would have significantly helped this album. It is still a good listening experience with portions of songs being GREAT dance numbers if mixed in and faded out just right. The songs are rich in texture with good production and when they figure out how to pull the whole complex configuration of elements together this musical style will be wonderfully refreshing.
Christopher - wer Next Project
This album was initially VERY hard for me to categorize for the station because his exceptional music crosses over so many boundaries and uses the best of each. Haunting, middle eastern styled, musical backdrops surrounded by layers of vocals and background melodies all kept together with a magical, musical net. It's just as hard to describe as it is to categorize and Christopher gets thumbs up based on that alone. The grinding and seductive "You're So Sexual" is a very catchy tune and "Concubine Crush #8" (see a pattern here?) MAKES you want to dance, vertically or otherwise. These compositions really don't have much wrong with them in the way of production,arrangement or songwriting so I expect to be hearing a lot more from Christopher in the near future. One of the reasons I give it only 4 stars is so I have headroom for more of his future projects.
This album was initially VERY hard for me to categorize for the station because his exceptional music crosses over so many boundaries and uses the best of each. Haunting, middle eastern styled, musical backdrops surrounded by layers of vocals and background melodies all kept together with a magical, musical net. It's just as hard to describe as it is to categorize and Christopher gets thumbs up based on that alone. The grinding and seductive "You're So Sexual" is a very catchy tune and "Concubine Crush #8" (see a pattern here?) MAKES you want to dance, vertically or otherwise. These compositions really don't have much wrong with them in the way of production,arrangement or songwriting so I expect to be hearing a lot more from Christopher in the near future. One of the reasons I give it only 4 stars is so I have headroom for more of his future projects.