Leaether Strip- When Blood Runs Dark

ARTIST: Leaether Strip
ALBUM: When Blood Runs Dark
LABEL: Alfa Matrix
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 7-29-08

A mere EP in name only, this digital release, assembled to coincide with Leaether Strip's new full-length studio album, features 70 minutes of remix material, surely enough to sate all but the most ravenous appetites for classic European EBM. While such tracks as "When Blood Runs Dark" and "Going Nowhere," both presented here as exclusive club versions, fit Leaether Strip founder Claus Larsen's general mold of simple but catchy dance floor aggression and raspy growled vocal couplets, there's also an unexpected amount of diversity. "You Don't Look the Same (1982 Extended Version)" sees Larsen actually singing over a bouncing vintage keyboard sequence, and not doing a half bad job, either. The "Spawn of Satan Mix" of "The Devil's Daughter," on the other hand, is some of his rawest and heaviest work, too slow for club play but plenty of aggressive thanks to his slow gravelly drawl, not to mention a backing of distorted guitar loops. The "Country Club Mix" of "Could Ya Did Ya" hits the middle ground, with Larsen's staccato barks offering plenty of aggression while fat synthesizers and throbbing beats provide an irrepressible sense of funk. Closing things out is "Corvus Monedula," a more meditative instrumental composition of minor-key pianos and melancholy strings. Given that the full-length accompaniment to this EP spans three CDs' worth of material, you can't help but be impressed not only by how prolific Larsen has managed to be in recent years, but how he's managed to retain a consistent level of quality in his compositions. This release is just more evidence of that, with examples of everything from straightforward EBM to retro dance tracks to moody instrumentals, all bearing that distinctive Larsen stamp.

Visit Claus Larsen on MySpace at www.myspace.com/leaetherstrip.