Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Review: Fractured - Only Human Remains (CD)
I have been eagerly anticipating this release by Fractured on Dependent
- the label's only debut release in 2005 - ever since hearing and
being very impressed by the title track on the Endzeit Bunkertracks
compilation. The CD does not disappoint. First things
first, the title track is indeed different from the version on that
compilation, and the differences are a microcosm of what to expect from
the album as a whole (download it here).
More punctuated drum and synth lines, glitchier percussion and shredded vocal
effects mark the title track out from its earlier release version. The CD opens up with a spoken
word track ("What Is The Moment of Truth") which develops into a tirade
complemented by heavy beats and shuddering guitar. A fine opener is also matched
with the excellent album closer, "Cold Eyes", which ties together
several tracks including "Only Human Remans". In between,
there's a varied mix of the melodic, the powerful, and more atmospheric
tracks, including several slower songs notably "Haunted Memories". There's a little of
everything here and clearly manifold influences - but it's
intellligently done, never clumsy nods to anything or anyone.
Vocals are treated differently on an almost song-by-song basis, which
is at times a little disconcerting but it works at the global
level. There's a high degree of glitch programming and rhythmic complexity
which is impressive, but it never detracts from the accessibility of the song structures. It does not feel like
it is done for the sake of it. Overall, a fine album which
will no doubt reinforce their rapidly-growing reputation for complex but
accessible dark electro music.
Posted by Jon at 5:19:38 PM in Muso-ing (9) | Comments (0)
