Customer Reviews

Phonic Trace

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Neuroactive seems to have jumpstarted the current trend in EBM today - a softer styling that brings in hints of synthpop, as evidenced on the newest Apoptygma Berzerk, VNV Nation, and Covenant releases. There's a general movement toward a more accessible style, and Phonic Trace knows how to work it.

Phonic Trace has all the elements to draw in an unsuspecting listener: smooth, clean vocals; bubbly dance beats, and catchy hooks. Neuroactive even has a modicum of creativity, which puts this album at a level higher than the latest offerings from the aforementioned artists.

The first track, "Shapeless (Reshaped)" is one of the strongest tracks on the disc - which is no error. It seems to be strategically placed there to hide the fact that, after the first few tracks, the album suffers a noticeable drop in quality. Think about it: which tracks do you always listen to first in a store? I thought so.

That means that, with one or two exceptions, the strong hooks and catchy writing are all found within the first five or six tracks on Phonic Trace. I'm particularly fond of the aggressive synth lines of "Neuron (Denatured Mix)," and was strongly disappointed that it's the only such track on the album.

In a nutshell, as Phonic Trace drags on (and I do mean drags on), it becomes progressively sludgier and harder to swallow. It's a fun listen the first couple of times, but aside from a few enjoyable tracks, it's not worth it.