GOTHIC PARADISE
I usually
look forward to the latest releases from Nilaihah Records
and it’s always interesting to be introduced to a new group
like this. I had no preconceived notions as to what the
music released by this group would be like and had heard no
other opinions except for the press release. Like many new
bands, sometimes it takes a few listens to adjust to the
newly defined style and let the music grow on you. So I’ve
delved into the lyrics, the musical bites and sound textures
to try and form some kind of opinion about this debut album.
The Charming Factor seems to be a fitting title for this
album bringing out the heart and soul of the lyrics, musical
style and vocals. Charlene pours on the “charm” in so many
ways, a touch of style, but overall just solid vocals in
each piece. At first it seems that the “pop” factor is very
apparent with the first track “Golden Glass”, but then you
detect the New Wave and Synthpop styles from the 80’s and
90’s in the music and it all becomes a little more
accessible and familiar to those of us in the underground
music scene that shy away from "pop" music. Furthermore when
“Crowded Room” starts, the mid-tempo beat and rhythmic
instruments bring out the modern tendencies and technology
for a full and enjoyable style. There are many mid-tempo
tracks with laid-back elements for the “chill-factor” from
time to time. But when it comes right down to it, my
favorite track on this album is when this duo brings out an
almost purely ethereal track in “She’s Left In Silence”. The
beautiful piano loops, soft vocals and background
soundscapes are completely captivating. This is a great
finale to the main portion of the album because of it’s full
texture and defining, yet varied style.
I would have been entirely happy if the album would have
just ended at this point. But after 18 short silent tracks,
we’re brought to three bonus remixes. None of which are very
attractive or catching in any way, but I do have to give the
remixers credit for original and experimental style with
exception of the first. This first remix is by Blank of
“Crowded Room” which really picks up the pace and adds
pounding techno beats and extra synths. But the experimental
trancey “Goa remix” of the same track by Null Device was
quite disappointing. The trance and hypnotic experimental
textures end up being distracting rather than appealling.
Neuroactive adds their unique twist to “Major Philosopher”
with their “Hybrid Mix”. They also take quite an
experimental twist on this track, really detracting from the
solid foundation the original version has.
Overall a fairly nice album with a new and interesting sound
taken from bits and pieces of styles that have worked well
in the past.
--Gothic Paradise