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Now that 'future pop' has become something of a dirty word among the electro cogniscenti I guess I'd better describe this debut album from the UK trio of John Martin, Eddie Martin & Rob Ivey as 'light EBM' but, whatever label you choose to apply to it, it doesn nothing to alter the fact that this is a strong, fine album that sees a major songwriting entity making its mark
Without doubt their strength lies in writing tracks that are not only made for the dancefloor but have enough depth & are engaging enough to reward repeated listens in any environment &, in this respect, they're well able to hold their own against such acknowledged leaders in the field as Assemblage 23 & Icon Of Coil. That John Martin is an extremely able & versatile vocalist is an important factor in this as he constantly adds a unique & characteristic edge to the Cybercide sound, instantly making his mark on the dynamic & instantly memorable 'Searchlight' which demonstrates his vocal range to the full on a track that is sure to stick in your head first time of asking. Eddie's guitar adds some additional grit on such tracks as the dynamic & engaging 'Exocet' while 'Redshift' & the excellent closer 'Faceless' both have the sort of rousing chorus that used to be VNV's forte (not that Cybercide are soundalikes at all!). The obligatory slower track 'Isolate' benefits further from Stefy's haunting voice & shows off the band's versatility, contrasting sharply with the ultra-pacey & typically punchy 'Underfire'
Since the album was released John Martin has sadly left the band & while his loss is a major blow to the band Eddie Martin has proven a capable stand-in during the band's various live gigs up & down the UK &, although I believe they will be searching for a new vocalist, it must be a comfort to know that a ready-made replacement is there should they need it. This might mean that their future releases, which include an EP of 'Searchlight' & their follow-up album 'Signals' which is due in the autumn, could be considerably different from the music presented here but, for now, this is a fine debut album that simulataneously engages the heart & body & delivers some fine tracks along the way.
RATING: 8
Artist Link: http://www.cybercide.org
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