The Break Up- The Break Up

Artist: The Break Up

CD title: The Break Up

Label: Self-Released

Genre: Alternative, Electro, Pop

Website: https://wearethebreakup.com/

Reviewer: DJ Kantrip

Date: 04/08/2011

Buy Here: https://thebreakup.bandcamp.com/

The Break Up is quickly becoming Seattle Washington's most impressive Electro Rock act, with their unique style of New Wave, Alternative Pop, and Darkwave.  Since 2007, The Break Up has been carving out a unique and captivating sound, since one bizarre night when Shane Allen Hall (of Seattle'  Hardcore DJ scene) and Severina X Sol (Cylab and Fockewolf) started to put hands on keyboards and voice to lyrics to give the project life.  After a few years of experimentation and toil, the band debuted their first LP in April 2010.

The Break Up's self-titled debut is a twisted musical ride that varies between simple and profound, and then shifts to complex and mystical.  Opening the album are Electro Pop songs like Her Fire and Who's Crying Now which are rather reminiscent of Missing Persons or Berlin.  A little bit of electro with  infectious punk rock vocals that seem to coax the listener into unconsciously singing along.  Good high energy songs perfect for a late night drive when you need a bit of hope and rage to make that road a bit more bearable. Tracks like Addict or My Machine have hard angry drums with Kraftwerk-esque synths beeping away while the lyrics are spoken.   Good dance floor fillers that have soul behind the beats, and set them apart from other “four on the floor” songs the DJ may be spinning.   Closing the album, are songs like Requiem and Trapeze which have have an upbeat and dreamy synthpop feel to them.  Softer beats, but still uncontrollably dancey.  This reviewer was focused on the descriptive and hopeful lyrics that Sol belts out on these songs however.  A bit dark in tone, but ultimately words that fill a heart with wonder or strive to spark a mind that's a bit too weary by life's day to day concerns.  Considering the many influences and experiences Hall and Sol bring to this project, to get so many flavors on one album to synchronize is impressive.

Recently the band added Sarah Ann Stewart (former Cruxshadows dancer)  and Rey Guajardo (former Christ Analogue / SMP)  to their live performances adding live drums and keyboards to an already colorful stage presence.  Visually, the band has a Cabaret meets Punk Rock style that utilizes sequined masks, feather boas, and garish makeup, with torn clothing, fetish wear, and a strong sense of DIY.  Include Hall's experience as a shock drag queen, Sol's hypnotic stage presence, Stewart's graceful style and movement, and Guajardo's passionate energy, and the stage becomes an explosion of color and sound that is hard to forget.

In summary, this reviewer highly recommends The Break Up.  Listen to them on their Bandcamp page, and if you, the reader, can catch a performance, it is highly recommended as well.  The band is currently working on a new album which is rumored to be released in 2011, and while they mostly play along the West Coast,  it will not be long before The Break Up breaks out and spreads their unique vision across the world.