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Archived Reviews
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In a perfect world all compilations would be like this celebration of Accession's tenth anniversary. Here we have one label that's not content to offer the usual round of remixes & fillers but instead present an essential collection of original pieces from such well-loved artists as Diary Of Dreams, whose excellent "Leb-Los!" shows them on top form with an even harder rocking edge than usual, Panzer AG, whose "Gateway" harks back to the majestic power that made "This Is My Battlefield" such a success with Andy's spoken vocals providing a contrastingly intimate narrative to the powerful backing & a typical piece from Assemblage 23 entitled "Decades" that is sure to please his many fans & annoy those who feel he's getting a little bit samey & predictable! The lack of remixes (only Lights Of Euphoria let the side down in this respect) is to be applauded, as is the selection of tracks which are, pretty much without fail, excellent. The Slovenian duo Silence open & close the album, kicking proceedings off in a surprisingly industrial manner & closing in a mournful symphonic style, proving what a versatile act they are, always surprising & never predictable, unlike (:SITD:) who, on the 2k6 version of "Area 51" do exactly what is expected of them although, as this is one of their less plodding tracks it's still got plenty going in its favour. Some of their up & coming acts also do themselves a great deal of good, among them Faderhead's "Bassgod" which emphasises the more industrial side of his music (the voice sample should make you sit up & listen as well!), a typically powerful & excellent track from the under-rated Painbastard, a surprisingly powerful offering from Diorama (maybe it's time to have another look at this band!) while "Strange Reactions" sees rising futurepop stars Spektralized in the sort good form that made their recent second album such a success. Synthpoppers should also enjoy Belief's "Changer" as well as Psyche's superb "Absolute" while the accoustic darkwave feel that characterises "Primitive Kiss" from Angels Of Venice is a nice change after the electro overload. No doubt about it, Accession have done themselves proud on this one & at this mid-price, it's a steal, I tell ya!! |
