Customer Reviews

Lunar Nature

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As hard as I try to like this band, they're hard to place. In this outing, Kemi Vita retains her newfound passion, though the group returns to the limited palatte of earlier works. This time, at least, they definitely know how to use it. After the wide-ranging styles of their last effort, I was expecting a move into a more ethereal arena, something closer to Faith and the Muse. But this is a more accomplished version of their basic forte, dark industrial.

That said, it isn't for the head-banger crowd. The Dreamside doesn't settle into a monotous grind of noise. Even with a stripped-down entry, they do a good job of mixing it up within individual songs. The problem is, there just aren't any with hooks that stick in your mind.

Two tracks stand out: in Carry On, there is a nice cowboy string interlude that separates blocks of heavy three-note bass (those notes stay in your mind, at least). Silently Awake continues this slow-fast alternation. Kemi croons to a gentle rhythm background which morphs into a bluesy jam.

Honorable mention goes to Unspoken. Manic drumming overlays dire supporting keyboards reminiscent of early monster movies. Kemi does a lot of yowling; but she's only as good as the music. Sticks and Stones is uptempo rock with exorcist-like keyboards, through which Kemi wanders like a lost spirit. Hush is a fine instrumental evocative of an age of dark grandeur.

In short, this would appeal to those who like a mix of hard rock with an industrial edge. It isn't for the contemplative type; in fact, it makes fine music for exercising or just breaking up the silence. With so much punch and energy, it does that very well. Will I buy the next album sight unseen? Sure, because this band has amazing potential, if they could only put some melody to the noise.