Virgins O.R Pigeons- Place No Reliance

ARTIST: Virgeons O.R Pigeons

ALBUM: Place No Reliance

LABEL: Darkest Labyrinth

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 10-05-08

Based out of Greece but signed to Japan's Darkest Labyrinth label, Virgins O.R Pigeons are clearly enamored with the fashion and aesthetic of the visual kei scene, but the trio's debut album is pure EBM club candy. Starting off with the dark ambient introduction of "Hypnosis," the album soon enough segues into "Pestilence," a thumping EBM track in the classic mode, all reverbed vocals, echoing keyboard lines, and pulsing kicks. Much of the group's material falls more or less into the category of terror EBM; "Existe" borders on formulaic with its guttural vocal treatment and repetitive sampled phrase, but "On Virgins or Pigeons" is a wonderfully grim expression of anti-religious sentiment set to pounding beats, while "State Your God" is more stark, raspy vocals set against a clean but effective sequence of electronics. It's the band's more melodic offerings that prove most memorable, however. "Reach Out" is no less heavy than the rest of the album, but relatively clean and melodic vocals provide a catchy hook to go alongside the relentless drum machine, with electric guitars filling out the texture. "Let Them Die" is also a stunner; paired with synthesized choirs, the distorted vocal lines give way unexpectedly to actual singing on the chorus. Though the transition is a bit jarring the first time you hear it, it makes for a song that truly stands out, and clearly the band thinks so as well, providing a bonus remix featuring gothic rock guitars as a bonus track. Having collaborated with groups like Blood, Virgins O.R Pigeons seem poised for a quick assent in the Japanese gothic rock and visual kei scene, but with such solid EBM credentials, this album is sure to get plenty of play in the industrial clubs, as well.

Visit the band's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/virgeonsorpigeons for more information.