This Belgian dark wave duo earned an 8.5, for their 2022 album, proving they are no slouches, so let's see how they do with this album that is three EPs, combined. At fifteen tracks it's only a few songs longer than a normal album. They have a good sense of groove, and the vocal melodies work well. By the time it gets to "Young Foxxes' things begin to feel a little like Depeche Mode. We are not at a tribute band level yet, but I can hear where it could slip in that direction. The chanted vocals sections are catchy enough to get you lost in the pulse. However by the time it gets to "Out of the Cage," it loses some of the novelty and feels more like a uniform formula with a few variations,
Typically what you hear is what you get with this band, there are no arrangements that take unexpected left turns. The synth bass line to "The Speed" keeps the dance floor churning at this tempo, but we are getting into a sound more than crafting songs that will stand the test of time. Lyrically it seems like he is lamenting bad Tinder dates. "Distress' is catchier thanks to the chanted vocal hook that drones into your ears. 'Silver Smile" is very late 90s in its drive. This could almost be the Pet Shop Boys. Lyrically it's darker which helps the overall tone of the song.
The grooves begin to run together once we get to "Set Your Self on Fire" is needs more organic elements like guitar mixed in. This sounds like a faster variation of a drum pattern we have already heard. The vocals take a more aggressive chant. Not only does the groove sound the same, but they could switch up some of the synth tones being used. The ambient break "Kill Your Idols' and the guitar finally surfaces works in the song's favor. "Sorrows and Tears" lifts from the ambiance to set up the darker sounds that unfold. This along with the more finely tuned vocal performance sets this up as one of the album's best songs.
"Body Electric' has the same bass line we have already heard, so ideas are being recycled in this formula. The vocals do not do much to help out either. Things get a little darker for 'Two Snakes" as this would be an effective dance floor pumper for "Goth nite'. Finally I power through to the last song, not that there has not been some enjoyable moments, things just got too uniform for me. I will give this album an 8, as they are skilled at what they do and accomplished what they set out to when it comes to the making of this album,. If you just like to dance and do not care much about songs this album is for you.
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