Godsend Reviews - 1 thru 9
1 A.M. - 1000 Beats CDS-This project of THE FAIR SEX is a slick, uptempo electro/pop crossover that mixes catchy songs with pumping techno rhythms. (Zoth Ommog)
16 VOLT-"Super Cool Nothing" CD-Eric Powell's latest offering may be his strongest work yet. As before, 16V combine a solid guitar thrash sound with electronics and almost pop-oriented songwriting which here seems sharper than ever. Songs like the opener, "I Fail Truth", are ultraheavy stabs of intense and dynamic aggro-rock with a memorable melodic angle. The album's closer, "At The End", shows the band entering a new, more mature phase, and to great effect. This track is a touchingly introspective midtempo melodic gem--still hard and aggressive but with a more emotional slant. Just beautiful. The potent and often ferocious tracks on "Super Cool Nothing" boast excellent production (by Bill Kennedy, Joe Bishara, and 16Volt), and drums were laid down by Chris Vrenna. Sure, the electronics just sort of soak in around the edges, but this technologically-enhanced rock act succeeds in producing a crossover album that simply leaves everyone else far, far behind. 16 VOLT have taken what the whole Wax Trax!/Al Jourgensen axis started, and, through the course of their 4 outstanding albums, laid waste to anything MINISTRY has done in years. Outstanding songwriting & production from one of the best acts in the genre. Consider this fully recommended. (Slipdisc)
16 Volt Vs Hate Dept - The Remix Wars CDEP-The furious intensity of 16Vs Stitched and Motorskill are diluted by HDs remix treatment, softening the edges up quite a bit. And 16Vs Eric Powell dancifies HATE DEPTs trax. In both cases, the results arent as good as the originals. (21st Circuitry)
various-2/3 CD-A crunchy, atmospheric comp featuring at least 2 tracks each from DEUTSCH NEPAL, WINTERKALTE, MENTAL DESTRUCTION, DIVE, and ESPLENDOR GEOMETRICO. All of the acts present their own brands of dark, rhythmic noise. A cohesive collection. (Hands)
33.3-"33.3" CD-Interesting, melodic, and instrumental experimental rock sounds from this trio from Connecticut. Sounds remind me a little of stuff like AERIAL M, as 33.3's jazzy rock grooves are simple in feel and accessable, but retain an air of playful experimentation. Tracks like "Disperse" mutate ala NEU! through backwards masking and mixing. Overall, a pleasant and cool little album. (Aesthetics)
33.3-"Plays Music" CD-This all-too-brief instrumental album shows this 5-piece band showing their considerable skills at producing a timeless brand of orchestrated pop/rock with a jazz flair (think SLINT with a more composed feel and brass), and a knack for solid songwriting. 33.3 convey a mood that is simultaneously familiar yet modern, wafting melodies and submelodies effortlessly alongside the powerful-yet-restrained rhythm section. The production of SHELLAC-man Bob Weston successfully captures the live feel of the players and their respective instruments (which include trumpet, trombone, and upright bass alongside the more usual 'rock' conventions). A sweet, pure, and purely pleasurable listening experience that I will be enjoying for some time. (Aesthetics)
809 - Excess CS-A project of LUSTERs c.reider, this is a rockier, more structured approach, mixing noisy guitars with subtle, whispery vocals and drum machines that are generally set to pummel. (Vuzh)