| Reviewed
by: Darklight
This is the single for the track “Sanctuary” from Psyche’s
full-length recording ‘The Hiding Place’. What is offered on
this release are seven different versions of the song “Sanctuary”
as well as three more songs to make for a good introduction to this
excellent synth-pop band.
First of all, the original version of “Sanctuary” is a stellar
song in itself. However, the three remixes of the song done by Negative
Format, Implant and Icon Of Coil
are all excellent, turning the track into a club floor EBM song. The
other three remixes of the song included as unlisted bonus tracks aren’t
quite as interesting as they are more techno versions of the song.
I would personally recommend getting Psyche’s full-length recording
‘The Hiding Place’ over this. But I would suggest getting this
if you want seven different versions of the song “Sanctuary”.
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| Reviewed
by: Darklight
I have never really been a big fan of Psyche because
their music has always been a little too tame for me. While I like some
synth-pop music, I like it to include a slightly more dark and aggressive
edge to it with some EBM elements. However, Psyche creates ‘80s style
synth-pop music that is a little too light and upbeat for my personal
tastes.
This Psyche CD is the best that I’ve heard from the duo yet. There is
a somewhat dark vibe offered in a lot of the songs here that make them
a little more interesting. But things still haven’t changed all that
much. The music is mid-tempo created with textured electronic programming,
soothing melodies, sparse beats and clean high-pitched male vocals.
While overall the songs are very well structured and somewhat entertaining, they lack a really powerful punch. They seem formulaic and typical for this genre of music. Basically, you shouldn’t expect to hear anything new or different here. This is traditional positive upbeat synth-pop with bright cheery melodies and soothing male crooning. The songs hint at being dark and aggressive at times, but never quite take it all the way. There really isn’t a song here that would be a club hit as nothing really moves fast enough. Everything is rather melodic and tame.
I could easily see Psyche going in more of an EBM direction in the future. I would personally like to see that happen as I feel that they would benefit from a little more energy and aggressiveness in their sound. But for now this release is a nice synth-pop album for those who like their synth-pop music melodic.
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| Reviewed
by: Darklight
The press release for this CD states that this band is EBM tinged synth-pop
set to invade America with its powerful dance beats and infectious melodies.
Personally, I don’t feel that the music offered here lives up to those
statements. First of all, there’s nothing here that sounds remotely
like EBM. Secondly, the only dance floors this music will pack is either
retro ‘80s clubs or possibly darkwave lounges. Also, I’m a rather big
synth-pop fan, and I wouldn’t really consider this music synth-pop either.
This is more like commercial sounding electro-pop music with some dark
elements mixed in.
The packaging for this disc would make you think that this is a gothic
band. For the way ArtOfFact is marketing this album, I would have thought
that they would have chosen a different direction for its artwork. While
there are touches of darkwave here, this is mainly uplifting electro-pop
music with high pitched male vocals. Speaking of vocals, I don’t really
care for the singer’s voice as it’s not deep or powerful. Also, he sings
the same on every song never delivering much range, variety, or diversity.
He’s not a bad singer in general, but I just don’t personally find his
voice and singing style very appealing.
The music here is pretty good featuring nicely layered electronic programming,
solid beats and beautiful soundscapes. But it always plays along at
a mid-tempo pace never changing much from song to song.
This isn’t a bad CD as there really isn’t a disappointing track here
, but there’s really nothing that exciting, either. If you enjoy somewhat
tame and melodic dark electro-pop, then you will most likely enjoy this
release.
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