Abuse by Proxy

Stray | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: August 12, 2008
• Label: Alfa Matrix
• Copyright: 2008 Alfa Matrix
• Total Length: 1:10:41
• Genres: Dance & DJ/Electronica
• ASIN: B0019BBEUY
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,316 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice nice nice, October 20, 2010

By 

ryan davis - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Abuse by Proxy (MP3 Download)

Erica Dunham has a gift: making "dark" music that is still uplifing. If you want to experience the dichotomy of being human--feeling good about bad experiences--then you'll feel right at home. But even if you don't pay attention to lyrics, the musicality will greet you. If you're new to Stray (or Unter Null, or darkwave in general) then start with the titular song 'Abuse By Proxy' and see if it clicks with you (I also like Intoxicate) -- you may discover you're a fan, as I did. Failure Epiphany (bonus CD)Abuse by Proxy

5.0 out of 5 stars A different side to Erica Dunham, June 4, 2008

By 

E. Anderson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abuse by Proxy (MP3 Download)

Anyone who is familiar with the work of Erica Dunham and her contributions to the industrial scene with Unter Null, you would know that she also has another project called Stray. ABUSE BY PROXY is Stray's first full length album. Stray showcases a different side to Erica Dunham. The music is similiar to Delerium but not so poppy. The music is a mix of ambient and pop. I definitely heard brief glimpses of Unter Null here and there throughout the album. The first ten tracks on ABUSE BY PROXY are orgiinal songs, the last three are remixes. I loved the first ten songs. The melodies are quite pretty. It is so nice to hear Erica create music that is a total contrast to Unter Null (which I adore as well). I don't know if the remixes were necessary although it was interesting to hear different versions of "Kindred Soul" and "Does it Really Matter?". The Keef Baker remix of "Does it Really Matter?" is the best of the three tracks.

After waiting over a year for Erica to release a full length album as Stray, the music was well worth the wait. I really recommend (if you have the money), to order the limited edition of ABUSE BY PROXY off Alfa-Matrix's website. It includes a bonus cd of bonus tracks and remixes. ABUSE BY PROXY is definitely one of this year's best releases.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bleeding, Naked, Aggressive Femininity, June 16, 2008

By 

codexwyrm "Tony" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abuse by Proxy (MP3 Download)

Abuse by Proxy stands out as the first album by Erica as a true artist. Contrary to appearances, all of the aggression of Unter Null is here as well, but, inspired through experiences of sadness, loss, betrayal, and nihilism, is expressed in a naked, bleeding femininity that's honest, refreshing, and rare. You could look at Unter Null as Erica's stage face, her persona for playing with the boys, and this one as her real.

The production here is fantastic, with every song sounding rich and multidimensional. It conjures an overall feeling of delirium and loneliness, a solitary trip on acid and a face full of absinthe. Worth noting is this is an album completely bereft of filler. The drums in Intoxicate are surprising and intelligent. The melodies and bass lines in Lost Command are reminiscent of a Front Line Assembly instrumental, and the vocals in Break Me Free make it easily the best song on the album. I never would have guessed Erica has a vocal range like she demonstrates here...after hearing this another Unter Null album of straight growling and screaming would be f___ing criminal. I don't know who the hell Mothboy or Keef Baker are, but their remixes are as good or better than the originals, and compliment the album perfectly. Trip-hoppy indeed.

I mentioned the vocals, and it stands as the best part of the album throughout, growling convincingly, singing beautifully, and monotone when it needs to be to maintain the nihilistic feel and focus on lyrical meaning. It also stands as the only gripe, which is that it is always just a step too far in the background. Her voice deserves a professional recording studio.