There are several disappointing things about the new Lycia album:mainly the fact that it is also their last album together, as the banddisbanded before finalizing the release. Also, it's a bit short — dueto the band implosion, too, I suppose — even though most songs areright around the five-minute mark. At nine tracks, there just seems tobe something lacking as a defining end statement for this passionateand powerful band that no doubt influenced many, including those atSilber Records, who have been so moved by Lycia that they refer to themas mentors. However, beyond the effects the end of the band had ontheir final recordings, these songs are what many have come to expectfrom this group since their first album in 1989. In fact, Empty Spacemarks a bit of a return to their birth, with original member John Fairrejoining the fold for some drum programming and the whole soundreturning to their post-punk roots. With the old, though, there's alsoa renewed love for pop structure about these songs, like Lycia wasstriving to find a perfect mix of their different albums over theyears. Instrumental tracks make up about half of the record, as well,and though it's entirely possible that they were always meant to bethat way, it still feels like vocals could sit right on top of them.Standard industrial and goth-type effects and sound qualities spill outof the speakers on every track; Mike VanPortfleet has his vocals buriedin the mix for the most part, and Tara Vanflower's otherworldly vocalscharm and disarm as ever. There are some amazing melodies on thisrecord, with an overwhelming feeling of foreboding doom. While it'sunpolished and each song has at least a two second pregap it's stillenough for this to rank up there as one of their finer works, and giventhat the album was supposed to be released four years ago, it's goodthat the songs are making their way out there to true fans now. It's ashame that there'll be no more after this from Lycia, but it's atremendous reminder of how easy it was for them to move their audience.Read More
