COMBICHRIST - Compliance (Single Digital) (Out Of Line) All works from each project of the famous Nordic musician Andy La Plegua are always very well received by lovers of alternative electronic music and his most famous band has recently released a new single late September on Out Of Line that always accompanies the best artists. His musical versatility and his singular brand have made him transcend from Europe to the world, since Combichrist has played on almost every continent on the planet."Compilance" is an explosive song, but one that enters the ears with stealth respecting the dark style of the band and that surprises with nuances where the band is exploring other rhythms as well as slower tempos.The official video for the single contains the band's gloomy stamp.They did a great editing job that you can appreciate on YouTube with the song's lyrics. [GC] JIHAD - Retrospekt (CD) Soft fluttering electronics and audible light structures contrast with the harsh, modulated vocals that muddle the heartfelt lyrics as if the protagonist,worthy though he may be,doesn’t see himself that way. It’s a fine bit of futuristic introspection.Retrospekt’s musical style is readily apparent - near spoken word lyrics over muted dark, trancelike compositions. Most tracks start off in a minimalistic fashion before being constructed into complex digital soundscapes with definitive grooves. Many songs likely would disappear into the background of late-night bar conversation were it not for the upfront, gravely vocals to bring attention back to the arrangements.Standout tracks here are“We Believe”with some clever transitions and“The Prophecy”that conjures a less militant Too Dark Park vibe.For those who pay close attention to absorb its nuances, it pays off. [CM] LA SCALTRA - Cabaret (CD) (Solar Lodge) “Intro” is a quiet, smokey interlude setting the stage for the eerie sounds to come. “The Garden” comes in with a simple, one-two, one-two, one-two, plodding beat, like a Raven “tap tap tapping at mybedroomdoor.”Each drop,however,sustains the reverb and it bleeds into the next, leaving no aural spaces open. The near ethereal vocals are reminiscent of Switchblade Symphony and there’s an aching, pleading, but almost sarcastic tone. It’s as if she knows that you know the game.But she also knows that you can’t resist her entreaties to“come intomy garden.”You both know it’ll be wrong.But you’re going to go through with it anyway. If there is a dance track on the album, it would be “Nightmares.”No heavy EBM stomping, but it pulsates and throbs into a dream state, perfect for spinning and gesticulating, physically expressing the pains of a nightmarish existence. The riffs burn with angst as the synths flitter chromatically above the melody. [CM] MILDREDA - I was never really there (CD) (Dependent) www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be Backfire sets things of with a blast as the opener. Great to hear how subtle every sound, sample and noise finds its place in this slightly slower opener. The typical atmosphere of earlier work is very recognisable.If you like dark,lingering electrowith a touch of industrial, then Reinvention Of Pain is right up your street.With Echoes, DIVE comes to the rescue.A lingering song in which the characteristic voice of Dirk Ivens brings some noisy accents. Halfway through the album, the sound ebbs away to almost nothing, only to rise again in its grandeur.Another of Jan's heroes,Cyan (The Eternal Afflict) joins the fray on Blame It On The Moon. The song has more future-pop allure and is wonderfully danceable. Musically, the whole thing hovers between the rough and gothic impact it once started with and more contemporary electro. Where it has always been Jan's goal with Mildreda to make atmospheric music with a dark edge,he has succeeded perfectly with this album. - 32 - [JB] Read full reviews on http://www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be/en/reviews/
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