Decoded Feedback- Aftermath

ARTIST: Decoded Feedback

ALBUM: Aftermath

LABEL: Metropolis Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 6-13-10

With their first album in five years, this long-running Canadian project delivers 10 tracks in keeping with their tradition of dark, straightforward EBM while also expanding their sound. As always, the duo's music is anchored by the dark synths and bass-heavy rhythms of programmer Yone Dudas and the gloomy baritone of vocalist Marco Biagiotti, but there's more going on than on previous albums. "Silent Killer" opens with a sampled shrieks over a gritty techno build before launching into the expected stomp, and several tracks, like the aggressive "Death Control" and the relentlessly grim "Proteus Syndrome," add sampled guitar loops for added punch. "Decompress" calls to mind Skinny Puppy with its less straightforward approach to vocals, which sees various vocoder effects turning Biagiotti into everything from evil demon to tortured cyborg, and instrumental composition "Translucent" highlights Decoded Feedback's more contemplative side with pianos, hard-edged breakbeats and a sampled recitation of social values: "Unity, equality, creativity, freedom." Rooted deeply enough in Decoded Feedback's signature sound to keep fans happy while still showing signs of artistic progress, the duo's ninth album sees them continuing to improve with each release.

Visit Yone and Marco at www.decodedfeedback.com.