Fear Is on Our Side

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 7, 2006)
• Original Release Date: March 7, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Secretly Canadian
• ASIN: B000E6GBZS
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #139,352 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The full-length debut of this Texas band follows their 2003 self-titled five-song EP; a much poppier affair produced by Spoon's Britt Daniel, with a dose of thunder and lightning, pain and pleasure. Produced this time by Paul Barker (Ministry, Revolting Cocks), the record is more sadness than joy with lonely lyrics and hauntingly echoed guitar persuaded by chorused basslines. The sound is coaxing and familiar, then howling and anguished. Reminiscent of latter-era Talk Talk; with the introspection also comes passion. "Fear Is On Our Side" isn't trivial or banal, trendy or futile. It's a testament to our times, our revolutions, and our meaning. It's timeless, maniacal, and resounding. Darkness and truth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nevermind the band's name... oh so enjoyable, September 22, 2006

By	Paul Allaer (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The Austin, TX band I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness boasts one of the most unusual band names I have ever encountered, and it begs the question: does it distract from the music, or does it complement it? After the band's self-released 2003 EP, now finally comes the full-fletched debut album.

"Fear Is On Our Side" (12 tracks, 52 min.) fleshes out (and matures) the sound of the 2003 EP, with great results. If you are not familiar with their sound, imagine a mix of the 80s Cure-meets-nowadays-Interpol. The band creates a mood with dark yet at times poppy and even danceable songs, to great effect. Check out the opener "The Ghost", which sets the table for the album. "Lights" is one of the few truly upbeat songs, along with "At Last At All". There are a couple of instrumentals along the way, creating more of the dark (but not scary) mood. Other highlights include "Last Ride Together", which truly is reminiscent of the 80s Cure sound, just great, and the closer "If It Was Me".

This is a great album. And it even translates better in a live setting. I saw ILUBICD in concert recently, and these songs ROCKED hard, much more so then on the studio versions. People may scratch their heads at the unusual band name, but I hope they will go beyond that and give this band a chance. Highly recommended!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful synth and guitar soundscape pop, July 30, 2006

By	Fading lights over city streets (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

I found this band looking for music that resembled The Bravery, Depeche Mode, and a few of my other favorite bands. While 'I love you..." is a different band altogether, I was very happy to add this album to my collection. The music is very dreamy and even though a song will start with a strong bass or drum riff, you will be surprised how the song will descend into a calming soundscape. For me, this band is perfect to listen to when you are in a mood to relax. Not gym music.
Newbies to the band should check out their first single "According to Plan". For me, I don't particularly have a favorite song because the album blends together so well and I simply enjoy it as a whole (although one would be pleased to check out "we choose faces").
This is one album you will be happy to say you own, and a band you will be proud to say you started listening to before they hit it big.

4.0 out of 5 stars Recently purchased; long listener, February 1, 2009

By	Donnamite "Teo" (California) - See all my reviews

I have just bought this CD. If you are into the mild rock that might make you feel up or down, then this is a good choice. Pretty powerful music that you can press rewind too. Too bad I'm the only person that likes the CD. Noone else I've talken to about this CD or played for them really went head over heals for it. Recommend purchase if you need new music in your collection and have an open mind.