New Release :: Noise Unit

Right, so it's pretty clear that I'm a huge fan of most of what Artoffact Records puts out. This album is no exception. But then, with the sheer Goth/Industrial pedigree behind this album, it's almost inconceivable that this Front Line Assembly side-project would (or even could) cook up anything less than stellar. And then, to bring in Industrial royalty like Raymond Watts (PIG, KMFDM, Einstürzende Neubauten) on a mid-album vocal feature? Yeah, I don't think I need to say much more.

Deviator, on the whole, is exactly what you'd expect. Heavy, dark, danceable, menacing beats, analog synth lines which skitter along like evil mechanical insects, driving basslines, all accompanied by Leeb's breathy, yet subtly snarling vocals, it's kind of the missing piece to the Goth revival we're experiencing right now.

On the subject of vocals: Bill Leeb's vocal efforts on this album, you'd be excused for thinking it was Douglas McCarthy from Nitzer Ebb on some of these tracks, as Leeb is clearly trying to channel him on tracks like "Body Aktiv", "Misery", and "Fargo Field". Raymond Watts' vocal duties on "Atrocity Obsession" are pretty great, and give the album a concise midway point. And this is worth noting, actually. At the midway point, this album seems to transition to something still just as dark and oppressive, but also dancier.

On the whole, solid effort from Leeb/Fulber. Definitely worth a listen. I'd recommend for full effect, get together (responsibly) with some friends, get yourselves a few old PCs, and have a good old fashioned Unreal Tournament LAN party. It's just that kind of album.

RATING: 7/10
STANDOUT TRACKS: "Body Aktiv", "Atrocity Obsession"