Blank-wave Arcade

The Faint | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 1, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Saddle Creek
• ASIN: B00003CYND
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,856 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Wave to Blank Wave, February 15, 2002

By 

William O'Donnell (Harrisburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blank-wave Arcade (Audio CD)

I was turned on to The Faint by an online pal who described their sound as "Duran Duran making out with Joy Divison." Well, after a description like that, I had to check them out for myself; my two great musical loves being gothic rock and 80s New Wave. What a rich, dark musical experience was in store for me. The insistent synth-pulse, the chilly-yet-emotional vocal delivery, the random bursts of electronic noise... My favorite tracks on the album are "Worked Up So Sexual" and "Cars Pass In Cold Blood," but the whole album is completely fantastic, and never fails to set my feet dancing. The sing-along intro of "The Passives" is irresistible, too. Overall, a great retro album which has great relevance for today--Oh, and it's really dark stuff, too!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We like to dance, but aren't superficial, December 12, 2003

By 

Stephen Atkins (St. Petersburg, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blank-wave Arcade (Audio CD)

The Faint play a brilliant brand of 80's synth rock with a modern edge. Of course, there are heavy influences from seminal new-wave bands like Joy Division, Duran Duran, and New Order. But the general ambience and style of "Blank-wave Arcade" reeks of things more modern as well. It's hard to place a finger on it. But the appeal and talent behind this band isn't simply a one-trick pony. And although (as stated) there are definite influences apparent, this isn't simply an 80's throwback. It's the revival (and progression) of a style of music making that was perhaps more prominent amongst new-wave groups. It is as if the music was able to fester for 20 years or so and emerge as something completely new and different. Their lyrics are often dark and brooding. But without malice. There is almost a sense of innocence in the lyrical perspective of the otherwise grim sequences unfolded. And much of it is very dancable. But it makes one want to dance with emotion and not just for dancing's sake. The music literally moves you. This is an excellent album for anyone who enjoys music that is simultaneously light as a feather and deep as an ocean. It's a rare thing, this is definitely worth a listen.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it, May 21, 2003

By 

Nathan G. (Lakewood, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blank-wave Arcade (Audio CD)

This cd is awesome. Much better than their first, which I advise everyone to stay away from. Nothing will top the third release, Danse Macabre, unless of course their 4th album does so. Blank Wave Arcade did not disappoint me at all, just pair this album with Danse Mabacre and you will be set.