music reviews

::: absynthe ::: "First Movements of Cliffdancers"

gothic darkwave slow-industrial-metal

From Belgium, John Cult and Lionel Marchand bring us their unique brand of brooding yet very mellow dark-wave-industrial-metal. You'll find layers of thick looping distorted guitars, minimal electronic-gothic parts and icy subdued crooning male vocals that ironically seem both resigned, as if they've lost all hope, yet uplifting and hopeful at the same time! Somewhat similar to a subdued Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) crossed with Nico when she sings in a low male voice.

Overall Absynthe takes you somewhere up there in the clouds. Especially good for listening to when you're dead tired and weary. I've been meaning to write this review for ages, but the words still allude me as to exactly describe Absynthe. I guess all I can say is that fans of gothic, mellow doom metal and subdued British-euro indie pop will enjoy this. I've been trying to think of actual bands to compare them to, but the truth is there are elements similar to bands I know, yet they sound quite unlike any specific bands I'm familiar with... unique! Find out for yourself!

By the way, John has been doing the L'ame Electrique radioshow and zine in Belgium for several years. 6 tracks. Available for: 350 Belgium Francs or 9 Euros care of: Third Brass - B.P.55, 6180 Courcelles, Belgium. E-mail: [email protected] Web-site: http://geocities.com/ameelectrique