Customer Reviews

Espina

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It is an absolute shame that Psychotica no longer exists, and that vocalist Patrick Briggs has eased back into Nightclub ownership. What an amazing vocal talent! Wild and weird, with a Marilyn Manson like gothic undertone and David Bowie Glam, I just don't understand why Psychotica never went further. They performed at Lollapalooza in '97, and that was pretty much the end. Patrick had a tendency to perform almost naked, though at Lollapalooza he wore a silver jumpsuit a'la Devo. He was on the edge of acceptable behavior, but so very talented, bringing in Pianists and Bagpipes and symphonies behind his unique music. After Espina, they recorded one more album, `Pandemic', that never got released. There are MP3's out on the internet from Pandemic, and I strongly urge you to find them and get them before they disappear. Pandemic has a Georgio Morodor (Cat People Soundtrack) remix of MacArthur Park, along with three not-to-be-missed ballads that Patrick's vocals just make you want to cry on. Valentino, Euthanasia, and Monsoon. FIND PANDEMIC! You won't be sorry. As for Espina, I think it is even better than Psychotica's self titled first CD. `Ding Dong Dead' is just good ol' goth fun, `Feb 14th 1979' is an oddball song with fun lyrics and changing melodies. But with Patrick's voice, I tend to lean towards his ballads (and I'm not a ballad lover), `Too Late' and `Soldier Of War'. Amazing CD, amazing vocals. If you like goth/glam/odd rock, don't miss this soon-to-be-gone treasure.

Espina is one of the best records i have ever bought. i saw psychotica when they toured with tool and with the impotent seasnakes they are amazing ive loved psychotica since their first cd in 1996 it is out of print now if you find it, (it has a blue cover and is self titled) definately pick it up

"Espina" isn't nearly as brilliant as Psychotica's self titled album, but their cover of MacArthur Park is amazing. How anyone can make such a horrible song sound so incredible is beyond me, but they do. This and a couple of other gems such as Psychopharmacologist make this album worth owning.

I was concerned about the sophomore slump creeping up on them because of the wealth of producers on the first album. Well it didn't happen: ESPINA is as tight and focused, as the previous album was outrageous. The producers are now just Pat Briggs the lead singer and songwriter and Doug DeAngelis the programmer and synth player. They also moved from a major label to a very small independent one. A move that will irreparably damage there visibility and sales, but looks to have let them grow creatively. The sound here is hard to describe; sort of JANE'S ADDICTION meets JUDAS PREIST and remixed by FLOOD and DAVE OGLEVIE. Heavily produced layered music with high pitched heavy metal tinged lyrics and a heavy touch of the ethereal.

Stand out tunes includes BLEEDING and SOLDIER OF WAR. The strength of this album makes me hope they catch on, at least a little bit so there will be more tunes.

I bought this CD with high hopes, and it certainly was not a waste! Pat Briggs' amazing voice will make you fall in love as you travel through this way-too-short album. "Ding Dong Dead" [not representative of the rest of the album] is a song you'll want to play at a Halloween party... you'll want to listen to Bleeding over and over again... MacArthur Park shows that they do have a sense of humor... and unless you are seriously unfeeling, Soldier of War will make you cry.

Describing their sound is hard, but I guess they could be classified at GlamMetalGothTechno.

I was introduced to this album by my glam/goth fiance,(myself being more of a prep) and I absolutely loved it! Pat Briggs needs to be more recognized in music. His feelings come through so well and it makes you conect with him completely, whoever you are. Pat completely blows Marilyn Manson away, I can't see how they even compare. Someone needs to get this band a really good label so they can release their new album, Pandemic. Unlike many other bands, Pat's music doesn't sell out to mainstream or change, it just keeps exposing honest human feeling (absolutely none of that fake Backstreet Boys Bull). Buy this album and do your best to find the first one. I had to dig with my fiance through countless new and used racks at stores but it was well worth it!

Espina is one of the greatest albums EVER released. Patrick Briggs has the most amazing voice in the music world today. Accept no imitations like Manson or Orgy... PSYCHOTICA are the greatest and can not be match. Do yourself a favor and GET THIS CD!

For some reason I think that this cd and radiohead's ok computer were a major influence in Marilyn Manson's cd Mechanical Animals.

Compared to their self-titled debut, Espina is a Porsche compared to a Ford Pinto. Although I love the debut album, Espina expands Psychotica's musical talents in various ways. I love the use of piano and keyboards on this album, which adds some melody to this album. I also am glad that Psychotica decided to drop the female rap vocalist. Excellent songs on this album include Bleeding, Soldier of War, Blind, and the cover of MacArthur Park. I would recomend this album to anyone who likes to listen to music that you just don't hear every day. It's a shame the band broke up.

i love this cd! it's one the few cds i own that i can play the whole way through..pat briggs has and amazing voice that i wish more people would have the chance to hear. he sounds like a mix between jizzy pearl and marilyn manson/or rozz williams? but in a very unique way! i love this cd it's my first psychotica album but i will certainly buy more soon!