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Reviewed
by: Darklight
Dubok is an American EBM/synth-pop hyrid act that show a lot
of promise on this debut, but several things prevent it from being a
really great release.
The first problem I have is with the muffled distortion that is on both the
music and vocals. Basically, the music is well programmed and the vocals are
deep and melodic, but the distortion over everything takes away from its
sound. Either the band is trying to sound more industrial by mixing in
distortion, or they’re using poor recording equipment. Either way, the end
result hurts the music and takes away from the true potential of these
tracks.
Another problem that I have here is the fact that the band doesn’t bring
anything new or different to the table. While listening to this CD I had the
feeling that I’ve heard it all before as everything follows a standard
formula. Modern energetic electronic rhythms and beats combined with
beautiful synth harmonies and deep male vocals that sing along with melody
are what these songs consist of. I’ve been there and done that a little too
much lately. While I do indeed like this style of music, I would just like
to hear some new elements in the mix as well.
Each song here basically sounds the same. While there are little differences
here and there, it is still rather difficult to distinguish one track from
the next.
Another complaint I have is with the lyrics. While they’re fairly well
written for the most part, they just don’t appear to contain a lot of
meaning. They come off more like short stories than really having anything
to say. And in the song “Fine Time” there is a reference to The
Backstreet Boys. I really dislike any pop-culture references
in the music that I listen to. Save this kind of stupid humor for mainstream
bands like The Offspring
and Eminem. There’s no
place for it in underground industrial/EBM/synth-pop music in my opinion.
Since this is the debut for Dubok, I’ll cut them some slack. But I really
expect better things from them in the future.
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