There may be some throwback elements on Ars Phoenix's most recent album, but for the most part it makes for great contemporary synth pop. Retaining a darker, and occasionally harsh, edge, the eight songs that comprise it work beyond just their mood, but as memorable, well-written songs as well.
There is a distinctly bleak, gothic vibe pervading these songs, evident from the opening moments of "Chlorophyll".A rudimentary, stiff rhythm and strong guitar parts lead the song while the duet vocals from Jon Glover and Catlin Ollinger mesh wonderfully with understated keyboard progressions.On "Amethyst" the trio (plus guitarist Paige Fowler) follow a similar template, focusing on guitar and synth flourishes as it builds to a tighter, more forceful conclusion.The goth and synth pop elements are undeniable, but never are they cliché or exploited.
The spirit of the early days of synth pop pervades the album, but thematically "Who Is Watching the Neighborhood Watchmen?" makes for an update of that classic theme of early industrial:paranoia.As Cabaret Voltaire built some of their legendary albums on the consequences of CCTV surveillance, Ars Phoenix updates it to drones and social media with a subtle nod to the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case in its title.
As a whole, Violent Rain is rather slow and laconic, but at times the tempo is knocked a little higher, contrasting the more depressive moments.Ars Phoenix snaps along with a punky thrash on "Elegant Vapor," with noisier synths and a strong, memorable melody."WHTY?" is another uptempo one, with its stiff drum machine, noisy saw tooth keyboards and lots of random noises that still manages to build into a catchy chorus.
Locrian member Terence Hannum adds a bit of overdriven guitar to "Shudder at the Sound," and its oddly paired distorted drum machine and electronic noises, making its dirge a bit more varied than it could be.The most drastic departure is on the closing title song, the lengthiest on here.Depressive sawtooth synths and clattering rhythms set the stage; with the focus being spoken word narrative of Ollinger.The sound is more diverse here, with a brilliant death rock guitar heavy conclusion, although I feel the vocals are emphasized just a bit too much throughout.
Unlike many in the industrial/synth pop revivalist movement, Ars Phoenix makes no attempt to sound like they are tied specifically to the early 1980s.Their use of drum machines and synths might be in line with those days, but their overall approach is far more contemporary.It balances the familiar and fresh expertly, and results for some extremely catchy songs, the type of record that draws me in over and over again.
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