Where should I start? (Toy & Assemblage 23)

[~FxBoy]

Hi guys,

I need your expertise here. I’m considering to get some of Assemblage 23 and Evil’s Toy (TOY) CDs. However, I’m not that familiar with these groups (they’re kinda ‘hard-core /harder-synthpop’ in my opinion). I’m not really into some heavy duty ‘hardcore’ or EBM…..so which album you guys think should I get first ?

As for Assemblage 23, people said “Failure” is their best album so I should I start with this album first. I know you guys are the experts !!!

As for Evil’s toy, they say “Silvertears” is their most dance oriented album and less hard-core, so I should begin here.

I’ll see what your opinions about this. Thanks EGNers !!!

[test]

I agree with what Joel said. I prefer Contempt, but I love Failure by A23. I would add Silvertears by Evil's Toy. He's also right when he says to get the rest. You *will* want everything that both bands have put out.

Happy listening! :)

[~OLMEK]

Hi FXboy.

Although I like the albums recommended to you above, I must honestly disagree that they would be the best to start out with given your initial comments. Therefore I recommend Evils Toy "Silvertears", and A23's "Failure" first.

You will most likely want to get T.O.Y.'s "Spaceradio" album thereafter, and try the A23's "Addendum" which perfectly accommodates their aforementioned album.

If you end up liking Evils Toy, I highly recommend you pick up "Shadows of the Lovers" by Pulcher Femina (Produced by T.O.Y./Evils Toy). It's pure dark delightful Synthpop a la Distain!

http://www.decadancerecords.it/pulcherfemina/140.jpg

Have Fun! :)

-OLMEK
AND ONE "Aggressor" coming soon........

[~FxBoy]

Thanks for your helpful insights (as usual). !!!

I will start with Assemblage 23 “Failure” & Toy “Silvertears”; then. As what OLMEK said, this album should be closer to my music taste. Then, I’ll decide whether I dig them up. Most likely I will though..... being an addict like...... finding a good synthpop band is like finding a NEW drug.
:-)

[seraphim]

Originally posted by OLMEK
If you end up liking Evils Toy, I highly recommend you pick up "Shadows of the Lovers" by Pulcher Femina (Produced by T.O.Y./Evils Toy). It's pure dark delightful Synthpop a la Distain!


Wow! Someone actually mentions Pulcher Femina. I've only been trying to get people into them for over a year now. *lol*
I love this band.

Great taste Olmek!

[~raven0us-]

definately A23 addendum and TOY space radio... oh yeah. but what id do is one of those switcheroo's like you can do at some fast-food places... instead of substituting fries for tots.. id like to exchange an A23 for say aaaaa...... STROMKERN! haaaa

[~GuyverX]

I really like Addendum, but I don't think it's a great idea to start with a remix album. If you want my opinion, for A23, I'd get both contempt and Failure at the same time...and listen to both back to back.

For T.O.Y., I'd start by getting Silvertears first, then Space Radio, and then if you are into a more "darker" sound, get the more recent Evils Toy albums, and then go backwards.

Hope this helps.

[~siv]

I'm gonna echo the xtc implant and contempt recommendations. I really love failure, and in many ways think it improved on various things from contempt, but the first is still my favorite...

Welcome to the wonderful world of cd purchasing, you buy one just to find five more you want to get, and so on... ah my poor check book.

As for space radio... my opinion is a bit biased. I think I'd enjoy it more if it was another group. *still mourning the death of evil's toy* It isn't that it's bad, just that it isn't terribly good either, and I was so fond of evil's toy... ah well... And what's the deal with putting three remixes in a row at the end? At least make sure it's a good track... but that's just my opinion.

[~PTInc]

I cant listen to Contempt anymore... thats how good Failure is.

My 2 cents

[~GuyverX]

Yeah, but if you've never listened to Failure or Contempt, isn't that just double the fun? ;)

[~FxBoy]

Thanks a lot my dear EGNers !!! I know I can always count on your inputs.

Joel -- I will check some of your recommendations too. Thanks so much !! But beware as I’ve mentioned before……. I’m not really into ‘hardcore’ EBM stuff. It’s just my personal preference. I’m ok with stomping beat. The thing that I dislike the most is the voice distortion. It’s just too annoying……. I would need my Zoloft/Prozac if I heard one of those kind. I know some people like those stuff, to me though, a clear & good vocal is important (for example, in my opinion, Reagan’s voice (IRIS) is one of the best outthere).

Thanks GuyverX --- I won't go with A 23 remix for a start then. :-)

[~I`m Not The One]

The earliest Evil's Toy CD I have is 'Illusion', Evil Toy's fourth studio album. I can't say it's hardcore EBM, but it seems very EBMish. Volker Lutz's voice is processed/distorted on 'Illusion'. Therefore, I'm going to jump to conclusion that Evil's Toy's albums that were released before 'Illusion', 'Morbid Mind', 'Human Refuse', and 'XTC Implant', all have Volker's distorted voice as well. I'm not a fan of distorted voices either.

Evil Toy's fifth album, 'Angels Only!', shows Volker's progression from a processed voice to his natural singing voice. I like 'Angels Only!' much, much better than 'Illusion'. 'Angels Only' is still pretty much EBM, but we discover how great Volker's natural voice is on this album. Evil's Toy 'Silvertears' is nothing but Volker's awesome, deep, natural voice. 'Space Radio' is a lot lighter than 'Silvertears', but 'Silvertears' and 'Space Radio' are great albums, but I give the nod to 'Silvertears'. To me, they sound pretty similar, but like I said, 'Space Radio' is lighter.

Just wanted to warn you about Volker's distorted voice on Evil's Toy first four albums.

[seraphim]

The further back you go into the Evils Toy history, the more distorted his voice is. It was just the times. Everyone distorted their voices to be uber industrial. I like all the (Evils)T.O.Y. releases, just in different ways.

[~I`m Not The One]

That's very true especially with Skinny Puppy among others being huge influences for bands like Evil's Toy just starting up in the early 90s. I plan on buying Evil's Toy's first three albums. I do listen to 'Illusion' here and there. I may not listen a lot to the first three albums once I get them, but I will listen to them occasionally. I just like seeing how bands progress from their debut album to their latest releases. It's quite interesting to see how bands change and evolve.

[~FxBoy]

Thanks for your input, "I'm Not The One." I really appreciate it. Just ordered "Silvertears" and "Failure". I have a premonition that I would be addicted and start collecting all of their stuff too.

Ahhh...... life is so hard when you're still a student........being broke, but always want more & more ! :-(

[~GuyverX]

Originally posted by FxBoy
Thanks GuyverX --- I won't go with A 23 remix for a start then. :-)

No problem Fxboy! :)

Oh yeah, if you're not into the whole distorted vocal thing, I'd hear a couple of sample tracks from Evil's Toy first. Their last album--Angels Only--is very similar to a T.O.Y. album, but their material before that has some a lot of vocal processing.

[test]

Originally posted by FxBoy
Thanks for your input, "I'm Not The One." I really appreciate it. Just ordered "Silvertears" and "Failure". I have a premonition that I would be addicted and start collecting all of their stuff too.

Ahhh...... life is so hard when you're still a student........being broke, but always want more & more ! :-(

Steven's great at recommending things. He is a walking music encyclopedia. :)

I am not a student, but I can agree with what you say about being broke and wanting more. :laugh: I do hope that you can pick up Contempt and Space Radio soon. They are awesome!

[~FxBoy]

STPH --- I just have a premonition I will pick up all their CDs eventually. :-) Being me, such a synthpop addict. Thanks for your inputs (as usual).

I take it you already have all of A 23 & Toy's CDs, huh?

[test]

No, I don't have all the A23 and T.O.Y. cds just yet, but someday I will. :D I have 2 cds from each band. I need to get Addendum and the earlier Evil's Toy cds, plus all the early Wolfsheim. I just keep buying more and more cds. I am a cd junkie!!! :laugh: It's a good thing I have pretty much everything I need for my classroom because now I can spend that money on me. :D

Stephanie =)

[~Eyuva]

Originally posted by FxBoy
Hi guys,

I need your expertise here. I’m considering to get some of Assemblage 23 and Evil’s Toy (TOY) CDs. However, I’m not that familiar with these groups (they’re kinda ‘hard-core /harder-synthpop’ in my opinion). I’m not really into some heavy duty ‘hardcore’ or EBM…..so which album you guys think should I get first ?


not into heavy duty stuff, then I recommend downloading some tunes by Position High on Mp3.com :p I love their tunes. It amazes me that this group is so unknown, yet they sound so good.

Failure by Ass23 is good, esp for the song Dissapoint, great song.

[~FxBoy]

Hi guys…..guess what. --- I just go ahead and ordered TOY’s “SPACE RADIO” too. Now JOEL must be happy that I get this one.

STPH --- I told you, I’m an addict. How can I stop the urge from buying more & more CDs? Any personal advice?

Thanks EYUVA for the info too !!

[~MaxMode]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by OLMEK
[b]Hi FXboy.

Although I like the albums recommended to you above, I must honestly disagree that they would be the best to start out with given your initial comments. Therefore I recommend Evils Toy "Silvertears", and A23's "Failure" first.

You will most likely want to get T.O.Y.'s "Spaceradio" album thereafter, and try the A23's "Addendum" which perfectly accommodates their aforementioned album.

FxBoy

I totally agree with OLMEK.
" Silvertears " and "Failure "
Two great albums and probably the best by both bands so far.
and yeah, you should get that " Pulsher Femina " album, it's just amazing, OLMEK recommended it to me a couple a months ago, and the result was excellent stuff, like the rest of all his recommendations, he has some great synthpop taste
trust me, the man Knows :)

[~FxBoy]

MaxMode --- Thank you for your input.

I already ordered those 2 albums plus "Space Radio" too. i'm anxiously waiting to get it in my mail-box and give it a listen. Bet those would be awesome; I always trust EGNers valuable inputs. And that's why I like this forum so much.

[test]

I highly recommend:

mesh
iris
POE--ok, she's not synth, but I love poe!!!
VNV Nation
Apoptygma Berzerk
Beborn Beton
Wolfsheim
Cause and Effect
De/Vision
Icon of Coil
Leiahdorus
Seven Red Seven

iris, mesh, poe, iris, mesh, poe, iris, mesh, poe! :D

[~FxBoy]

This is the update, guys !! I’ve got those albums that you guys recommended today. Let me begin by once again saying “Thanks a lot EGNers !!” Your inputs are definitely not disappointing at all.

I bought “Silvertears” (TOY), “Space Radio”(TOY), and “Failure” (A23). I have to say my favorite so far, after a couple of preliminary listening hours, is “SILVERTEARS.” That album is full of melodic & catchy songs. Absolutely gorgeous !!

“SPACE RADIO” definitely is a much happier album. I like it too, but “SILVERTEARS” still ranks on top. And finally, “Failure”…… Hmmm, it’s an interesting album. I had anticipated a dark-tone here, however, it’s less cathier than “SILVERTEARS”……… “Failure” is sooo dark, it even turns you to become depressing too !! I guess, I definitely need a few more listening before I get the whole perspective of this album.

So now, my question is…….. Since I really like TOY so much (especially “SILVERTEARS”), I was thinking about getting TOY’s other CD. However, I know that their older materials are using plenty of DISTORTED VOCAL, so I would stay away from those kind. Do you think I would like “ANGELS ONLY” though ? I couldn’t find a sample of songs from this album, so your inputs once again would be HIGHLY APPRECIATED…… Thanks guys !!

[~MaxMode]

Talking about Distorted voice
Yeaah! ANGELS ONLY is kind of different, way darker and the vocals are very Distorted make no mistake about it, so if you liked the SILVERTEARS direction so much, I personaly wouldn't recommend you to expect big similarities here, but heyyy! AO still a very good album and for some reason a lot of people think that's their best album yet , but no me :). I kind of did what you'are doing Now with T.O.Y, I started with SILVERTEARS and later I got SPACERADIO and then the rest which is soooo Different but still interesting.
Once again SILVERTEARS is my very favorite and definitely their very best!

And I see that you also made a good choice with A23 " Failure " great stuff, and you're right, it's kind of depressing especially with songs like " Longevity" and " King of insect " two of my favorite tracks by the way, but is definitely an exellent Disc.
ASSEMBLAGE 23 will realease a new album soon, i think sometime in September or October
I'm just waiting he he ! :)
I wonder? if you have allready ordered PULSHER FEMINA, if not? do it my friend, you wont regret it...

Regards

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by MaxMode
Talking about Distorted voice
Yeaah! ANGELS ONLY is kind of different, way darker and the vocals are very Distorted make no mistake about it, so if you liked the SILVERTEARS direction so much, I personaly wouldn't recommend you to expect big similarities here, but heyyy! AO still a very good album and for some reason a lot of people think that's their best album yet , but no me :). I kind of did what you'are doing Now with T.O.Y, I started with SILVERTEARS and later I got SPACERADIO and then the rest which is soooo Different but still interesting.
Once again SILVERTEARS is my very favorite and definitely their very best!

And I see that you also made a good choice with A23 " Failure " great stuff, and you're right, it's kind of depressing especially with songs like " Longevity" and " King of insect " two of my favorite tracks by the way, but is definitely an exellent Disc.
ASSEMBLAGE 23 will realease a new album soon, i think sometime in September or October
I'm just waiting he he ! :)
I wonder? if you have allready ordered PULSHER FEMINA, if not? do it my friend, you wont regret it...

RegardsMAXMODE --- Hey, you’ve got a GREAT taste of music there. I guess, we both have a similar taste in music. I finally got a chance to sample ‘Angels Only” album online. And, hmmmm……. You’re right. It’s not exactly my cup of tea. So, I’ll just stick with these 2 T O Y albums right now.

Regarding Pulcher Femina, actually I LOVE them !!! Believe it or not, I had ordered their album (“SHADOWS…….”) the same time I ordered those 3 (“Silvertears”, “Failure”, & “Space Radio”).

Man, I have to get an IMPORT for this one though. That’s a bummer !! But since I like them so much, I can’t resist !! So…….. I’ll post another review after I got this “Shadows ….’ album later.

Meanwhile…… I’m loving my T.O.Y CDs !!!

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by djstargazerX
too bad you arent into darker stuff.. cuz XTC Implant from Evils Toy is a great great album...

i dont know many other happy fruity bad-lyrics albums like Silvertears to recommend to you.. sorry

JOEL -- Hey, there. I know I tend to avoid darker EBN stuff. Sometimes I like darker stuff too though, see…..… I like Assemblage 23 “Failure.” And also Red Flag “Fear of A Red Planet” (although this not exactly my favorite RF album) ; but definitely NOT DISTORTED VOCAL.

Your recommendation always been a GREAT ones, JOEL. I got plenty of good albums cos’ you told me about them. See, I got “Reflection Theory” because of you. I guess, you kinda know what my music taste is by now. Keep on informing me with good music, Joel. And thank you so much !!

[~GuyverX]

LOL, those albums don't have distorted vocals at all! You forgot to recommend Skinny Puppy by the way...

[~Joevirus]

Originally posted by MaxMode
Talking about Distorted voice
Yeaah! ANGELS ONLY is kind of different, ...AO still a very good album and for some reason a lot of people think that's their best album yet , but no me

I love Angels Only. I think that Forever and Concrete Jungle are awesome. I also like Silvertears, it's a little cleaner sounding, less harsh.

I love the song Lucifer's Garden also. It's dark and meldodic. Very good to drive to.


Assemblage 23 is becoming one of my fave electro bands. Disappoint, Naked, and Awake are my faves. I never liked their older stuff.

You should check out my band Solemn Assembly. I'm up on http://www.mp3.com.au it's a couple of older trax, but it shows the diversity of my writing.

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by djstargazerX
i recommend:

Embryodead by Wumpscut
Calling Ov The Dead by Velvet Acid Christ
Execution Tracks by Funker Vogt
Re:Wired by Frontline Assembly

go pick those up.. no distorted vocals at all... plus you'll get to hear Brad Pitts voice a million times on that VAC record too.. oh joy!

I think I would need my PROZAC/ZOLOFT now. Listening to these albums make me wanna ............. hmmm......... jump out of the car while it's traveling 120 mph.

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by djstargazerX
wait.. you didnt buy them did you??? i was just kidding...

oh man.. if you did buy them i'd feel really bad.. i'll reimburse you or something


JOEL ---- Hehe.... no, I haven't bought them YET ! But you can reimburse me now for my brain-distortion from listening to these samples !!

[~GuyverX]

That would've been really funny had Fxboy actually bought those CDs. :D

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by GuyverX
That would've been really funny had Fxboy actually bought those CDs. :D

GuyVerX --- you're as naughty as JOEL is. You know what, the brain-distortion thing was really happening. I swear that I almost got choke up when I heard those samples online. I had my headphones on too while I was listening. It was so loud. My brain was totally distracted !! Eeeewwww.....

[test]

Where did you go to hear those samples?

As for Failure, well, that is a hard album to get into. I love it, but I prefer Contempt.

[~OLMEK]

Hi FxBoy.

I'm glad you liked "Silvertears".
Here are just a few more recommendations selected using your expressed preferences and selected choices. If you'd like more, feel free to e-mail me. As for the 'bad lyric' ridicule, just take it constructively and always try new sounds, but remember that 'favorite' or 'preferenced' albums differ from person to person, and it's idotic to assume that everyone should or must like a particular album, regardless of their supposed knowledge or years of experience in music. Beleive me, many that are in the industry still have questionable taste themselves. :) So here's what I 'think' you might enjoy....

Melotron - Fortschritt
Fictional - Ficticious
AND ONE - Nordhausen
AND ONE - Virgin Superstar
AND ONE - I.S.T.
AND ONE - Spot
Perfidious Words - Hydrogen Skies
Perfidious Words - Spreading Silence
Pulcher Femina - Shadows of the Lovers
Faith Assembly - Shades of Blue
Apoptygma Berzerk - Seven
Beborn Beton - Truth
Distain! - Liquid
Distain! - Homesick Alien
Distain! - Cement Garden
Condition One - Mirror of Liberation
Neuroactive - Fiber OpticRhythm
De/Vision - Monosex
De/Vision - Fairyland
De/Vision - Zhen
Endanger - Motion
Sea of Sin - Urban Chemisty
Elegant Machinery - Yesterday Man
A-Ha - Scoundrel Days
Anything Box - Peace
Veljanov - Sweet Life
VNV Nation - Burning Empires
Camouflage - Voices & Images

Dark, (not grungy or harsh) quality synthpop.......right? Well then this list should start you off, although I'm sure you have quite a few of them already. Have fun.

-OLMEK

[test]

I agree! Ghosts I Have Been is his best work so far. I would also recommend picking up Nightfall by Beborn Beton. :)

[test]

Hey, you forgot some mesh albums there Joel. ;)

The Point At Which It Falls Apart~mesh
Who Watches Over Me?~mesh

Disconnect~iris
Ashes Ashes~Leiahdorus
Empires~VNV Nation
Futureperfect~VNV Nation
Welcome To Earth~Apoptygma Berzerk

I can't believe it's after 2 am my time and I am still awake. Nuts to that!

[~FxBoy]

JOEL, OLMEK, STPH ----

Thank you guys for your suggestion. I already have most of your suggestions. Stuff like Faith Assembly, De/Vision, Anything Box, Apoptygma Berzerk, Sea Of Sin, Children Within, Pulcher Femina, Neuroactive, and Camouflage are a MUST in my collection.

Ok, I'll need to check AND ONE, Miss Kittin, Melotron (Aren't their stuff in German ?), Veljanov (I have never heard of this one !), Endanger, Disdain, Obsc(y)re, Beborn Beton, and Perfidious Words.

Hmmm........ the list keeps getting longer & longer & longer.

:-)

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by StphLadd
Where did you go to hear those samples?

As for Failure, well, that is a hard album to get into. I love it, but I prefer Contempt.

STPH --- I try to listen some samples from anywhere I can find........from sites like MP3.com or some snippet sampler @ Amazon, CDNow, CdUniverse, etc.

I'll check "Contempt"........ "Failure" is depressing but cool though.

[~GuyverX]

Failure isn't that depressing...unless you just listen to the music for the lyrics. There are a quite a few dancey, up-tempo tracks on the disc.

FxBoy, as for recommendations, I'd like to second Iris's "Disconnect," any Mesh album, Leiahdorus' "Ashes Ashes," and any VNV Nation album (just don't start with Futureperfect). I'd also like to add to that list:

B! Machine - infinity plus
Echo Image - Compuphonic
Neuroticfish - Les Chansons Neurotique
Beborn Beton - Nightfall

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by GuyverX

FxBoy, as for recommendations, I'd like to second Iris's "Disconnect," any Mesh album, Leiahdorus' "Ashes Ashes," and any VNV Nation album (just don't start with Futureperfect). I'd also like to add to that list:

B! Machine - infinity plus
Echo Image - Compuphonic
Neuroticfish - Les Chansons Neurotique
Beborn Beton - Nightfall

GuyVerX --- I already have IRIS & ECHO IMAGE. That's the kind of synthpop that I like. Very very cool !! I'm going to check Beborn Beton. They have a new GREATEST HITS out, right? I couldn't find any sample online........ do u know where I can listen to Beborn Beton sample? Also.....I'm lkng for AND ONE sample online too.

[test]

I don't know of any sites for listening to sample of the new Beborn Beton release. Just get it. It's excellent!!! Trust me on this one! You won't be disappointed. :) Did you see Apoptygma Berzerk on their tour in May? Because if you did, the songs Beborn played were from Tales From Another World, Greatest Hits.

I also agree with Guyver on Nightfall by Beborn. It's an excellent album. They took alot of tracks from that album and put them on the Greatest Hits.

As for And One, I am sure that Olmek can help you out there. He's the resident And One expert.

[~FxBoy]

Originally posted by StphLadd
I don't know of any sites for listening to sample of the new Beborn Beton release. Just get it. It's excellent!!! Trust me on this one! You won't be disappointed. :) Did you see Apoptygma Berzerk on their tour in May? Because if you did, the songs Beborn played were from Tales From Another World, Greatest Hits.

I also agree with Guyver on Nightfall by Beborn. It's an excellent album. They took alot of tracks from that album and put them on the Greatest Hits.

As for And One, I am sure that Olmek can help you out there. He's the resident And One expert.

STPH --- Thanks again for your valuable input.

What's the vocal of Beborn Beton sound like? Hopefully it wasn't distorted (computerized). Are they musically similar to MESH or IRIS ? Too bad I couldn't find their sample online. Ugh !!

[test]

Well, they are German. No, Stefan's voice is his voice. It isn't distorted at all. I don't think they are similar to mesh or iris. I don't know who to compare them with. Hmm.

[~MaxMode]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FxBoy
[b]JOEL, OLMEK, STPH ----


Ok, I'll need to check AND ONE, Miss Kittin, Melotron (Aren't their stuff in German ?), Veljanov (I have never heard of this one !), Endanger, Disdain, Obsc(y)re, Beborn Beton, and Perfidious Words.



Heyyy! FxBoy
talking about such excellent bands like MELOTRON, DISTAIN! PERFIDIOUS WORDS, Waooooo! what an amazing list OLMEK has delivered here. Only german language? well ecept for MELOTRON an incredible German band by the way, but most of the other bands mentioned, their work are in ENGLISH with a few German tracks once in a while
but Boy!! i got to tell you, They all make excellent Synthpop i really really mean Excellent Stuff my friend, and what can i tell you about such a band like AND ONE, well they just happen to be one of the best Electrobands on this planet, if not The best?? He! He!

I Love AND ONE
they will realease a new album called " AGRESSOR " hopefully very soon, but meanwhile you can star with their album Called NORDHAUSEN, in my humble opinion their best work yet, but anyways the rest of their work is Brilliant!!

Enjoy :)

[~FxBoy]

MaxMODE ---- Seems like you LOVE "And One" so much, huh? :-) I was looking for their sample online but couldn't find any. However, STPH has been so generous in offering to burn some AND ONE as well as BEBORN BETON for me. So, I would be able to enjoy AND ONE & BEBORN BETON's music finally !!! Thanks STPH !!

Right now, I'm just REALLY into T.O.Y !!! What a fine band they are !! :-)