The CD Electric Colony (2007) was a nice surprise and well appreciated. One never knows what to expect when playing new music for the first time, and what a pleasant thing it is when the music turns out to be delightful, and intriguing too. A main aspect of the CD Electric Colony is this: the music abounds with a sincere upbeat motion, it is not still, and the music is eminently danceable because of that, a nice thing. Reminiscent of groups like Controlled Bleeding, and even Tones On Tail in places, Electric Colony also possesses an all important signature sound uniquely its own. I played the CD once, then twice, then just left it on all day. It is definitely worthy, it is definitely industrial, and it most definitely sounds good. Certain tracks (Returning Sun, Hazmat) have been composed with very metal-like attributes, adding yet another facet to an already enjoyable listening experience. Unlike some metal which is depressing and bizarre, the feel and sound of the Electric Colony metal riffs ring with power, creating a multiplex of busy audio constructs soaring upward into the clouds, and beyond.
Electric Colony is the primary commercial effort of Kris Summers, a solo indie musician and composer from Toronto, Ontario Canada. The CD Electric Colony seems to be about half instrumental work, with the rest exhibiting some very notable and interesting vocals (Descent II, About Time, more). Included throughout this initial solo work is some amazing and excellent guitar work by Kris, who respects and honors all of his equipment as if it were a part of himself, which in the reality of his music, it is.
Some recurring imagery I experienced as I became associated with the music: Majestic Space Scapes, The Tennessee River in July, An Airboat Ride, Violent Oceans and Seaside Thunderstorms, St. Marks Florida, Beautiful Girls, A Full Moon Rising, Everglades Sunsets, A Hard Won Mountaintop, Cydonia Plain. From the hopeful and well contrived "Nearly There" to the soundtrack-waiting-to-happen "No Mercy Shown", the breadth and scope of this solo musical effort is large and real, using sound to paint vivid pictures which in turn author stark and kicky emotion.
My favorite track so far is #7, entitled 7482784792; it is authoritative and intricate from the first beat, with meaning laid down in ever increasing complexity through out. Not only does 7482784792 evoke feelings and memories from another time and place within my latest incarnation, it also calls to something much deeper within my genetic psyche. It makes me feel good. Thanks for that. Thanks a lot. About Time II is my next favorite EC tune, and it is a straight up - get down - let it all shine out - piece of music. The vox and make-up of About Time II reminds me once again of the 80's band Controlled Bleeding, crossed with some of Al Jourgensens better efforts. Had I a tail, I would be wagging it. In fact, consider it done. Play that one loud, just as loud as you can.
Citing such influences as My Bloody Valentine, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Alien Sex Fiend, and Sepultura (Among many Others), Electric Colony has created a sound which is not just a melding, or even synergy of those influences, but one step beyond all that, a new magnitude if you will, distinct, unique, gripping. This is all the more powerful once it is realized this is just the first offering from Electric Colony, with more on the way already. The astute listener may note some of the similarities to the music cited as influential to Electric Colony, and perhaps to some that's not, but none of those influences are overbearing or absolute: Electric Colony is well on its way to creating a difference that matters. That is the mark of talent with a refreshing twist, and Electric Colony certainly possesses that, and much more. If you are a fan of good Rock Music with a distinctly Industrial bent, don't miss out: get the CD Electric Colony and experience the new as it happens.
Track Listing:
About Time
Descent
Neius 6
Hazmat
Returning Sun
Terran
7482784792
Nearly there
No Mercy Shown
Ellipse
Descent II
About Time II
Electric Colony CD's can be purchased online at:
Amazon.ca, Indie Pool and HMV.ca
Electric Colony mp3 can be downloaded at:
Emusic, Napster, Amazon, iTunes, Puretracks, Rhapsody, MSN, Mtraks
Review by Bill Gallagher
http://www.luxefaire.com
Bill Gallagher, Hachita NM
Light Bringer
http://www.myspace.com/luxefaire
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