Dismantled- Breed to Death

Written by Matthew Johnson

Artist: Dismantled
CD Title: Breed to Death
Label: Metropolis Records
Reviewer: Mattew Johnson
Date: 7-2-05

Gary Zon of Dismantled has described this EP as his project’s “predictable club-oriented” release, but don’t let that fool you. This is more than just bargain-basement dance fodder. While it’s true that both the original tracks and the numerous remixes are going to make life a little easier for EBM club DJs, there’s plenty of cleverness mixed in with the boot-stomping drum machines. Title track “Breed to Death” starts off old school with metallic rhythms and snotty, unprocessed vocals, but there’s a snide pop sensibility rearing its head as well, with Zon occasionally breaking into a falsetto to sing “All you idiots can go and breed to death.” A cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” saves itself from lame hipster irony by actually sounding legitimately angry and upset; in fact, until the sarcasm kicks in on the chorus, it’s not even immediately recognizable as a bad ‘80s dance hit. The remixes are top-notch as well. Wumpscut’s Rudy Ratzinger contributes his signature orchestral darkwave feel to a mix of “The Swarm,” while Haujobb takes the song in an entirely different direction, burying it in enough distortion and rhythmic monotone that it could be mistaken for a power noise track. Psyclon 9 remixes the title track with cinematic string pads, and Daedal contributes yet another remix of “The Swarm,” this time incorporating everything from drum ‘n’ bass to quite piano interludes. Though all of these tracks fit more or less under the EBM umbrella, this is a diverse collection of music, and all ten of them are grand in their own way. This is definitely worth picking up, even if you’re haven’t heard Dismantled’s full-length releases. For song downloads, lyrics, and tour dates, visit Gary Zon at www.dismantled.org.