2008 Woodie Awards
DreamCyper's death-themed techno disappoints with CD
Marian Gaviola
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Entertainment
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09/19/07 - It's getting harder and harder for musicians to make new music, it seems. So many have resorted to creating their own genres, and unfortunately, not even original ones for that matter. Nowadays, it's the cool new thing to mix the oil and water of music to create a brand new sound ... no matter how painful it may be.
The Cruxshadows lead the way in this practice by mixing the most unlikely genres to form their own kind of music - techno goth: Think the horror and gravity of goth mixed with the head-bobbing beats of techno. Their music is played in clubs all over Europe where the band has gained the most fame.
In their latest CD, Birthday, which came out last Sept. 4, the Cruxshadows give us a scant five songs to enjoy. And in it comes not one, not two, but three versions of their old song "Birthday" from their album, DreamCypher. The CD has not only the original version, but also the radio edit and the "Through the Looking Glass Club Mix".
With three versions of this song, you would think that it was just about the best song ever made on the face of the earth.
Sadly, there isn't much to be said about it and even less to be said positively. Although the lyrics bear meaning and provide a bit of insight towards our respective impending deaths, combining it with the bouncy music of techno just seems a bit brash. After all, I wouldn't want to be dancing happily to this song in a club, all the while thinking that I could die the second after I stop.
The beat itself is decent, though nothing special. With the rise of digital music synthesizers such as Fruity Loops, anyone and everyone is capable of producing their own techno sounds and the Cruxshadows just don't set themselves apart from the crowd.
The CD closes with the song "White Rabbit," which was a definite surprise after going through the first four songs. This last one was devoid of any bouncy beats but was still filled with their signature dark-wave lyrics.
The CD cover shows Alice the Goth as she prepares for her journey to Wonderland. This last song was definitely a tribute to that. After slowly spiraling into depression as I listened to their sad words, I couldn't have thought of a better way to end with a bang. End my desire to listen to them, anyway.
The Cruxshadows lead the way in this practice by mixing the most unlikely genres to form their own kind of music - techno goth: Think the horror and gravity of goth mixed with the head-bobbing beats of techno. Their music is played in clubs all over Europe where the band has gained the most fame.
In their latest CD, Birthday, which came out last Sept. 4, the Cruxshadows give us a scant five songs to enjoy. And in it comes not one, not two, but three versions of their old song "Birthday" from their album, DreamCypher. The CD has not only the original version, but also the radio edit and the "Through the Looking Glass Club Mix".
With three versions of this song, you would think that it was just about the best song ever made on the face of the earth.
Sadly, there isn't much to be said about it and even less to be said positively. Although the lyrics bear meaning and provide a bit of insight towards our respective impending deaths, combining it with the bouncy music of techno just seems a bit brash. After all, I wouldn't want to be dancing happily to this song in a club, all the while thinking that I could die the second after I stop.
The beat itself is decent, though nothing special. With the rise of digital music synthesizers such as Fruity Loops, anyone and everyone is capable of producing their own techno sounds and the Cruxshadows just don't set themselves apart from the crowd.
The CD closes with the song "White Rabbit," which was a definite surprise after going through the first four songs. This last one was devoid of any bouncy beats but was still filled with their signature dark-wave lyrics.
The CD cover shows Alice the Goth as she prepares for her journey to Wonderland. This last song was definitely a tribute to that. After slowly spiraling into depression as I listened to their sad words, I couldn't have thought of a better way to end with a bang. End my desire to listen to them, anyway.