Ego Likeness -Breedless

Artist: Ego Likeness

CD Title: Breedless

Label: Metroplis Records

Genre: EBM

Website: www.egolikeness.com

Reviewer: Robert Eaton

Date: 9-20-11

Ego Likeness’s new album, Breedless, is the band’s first with new label Metropolis. It’s the band’s ninth release, in total, since 1999. Ego Likeness is a duo, artist Stephen Archer, and vocalist Donna Lynch. For those familiar already with Ego Likeness’s sound, it showcases the same heavy, ethereal synths, with guitars and singer Donna Lynch’s powerful vocals--exactly what you would expect. Breedless finds all the usual elements of Ego Likeness’s sound and the resulting album is cohesive and powerful. I saw the band opening for Bella Morte some years back, and while they’re a fantastic live band, their strength is really in the studio.  

The album opens with an ethereal synth line, something between a synth, and harpsichord. The track “Sirens and Satellites” is plaintive and shows the band writing a great and nuanced dance track. The title track opens with EBM-like sequencing which is quickly overlaid with guitars. The chorus is exquisite. “The Devils in the Chemicals” opens with a smoldering bass groove, and builds into one driving guitar-heavy anthem. “Song for Samael” changes the tone dramatically. The song is soft and earnest, with delicate piano and only sporadic distorted drums. The sonic landscape find itself well-suited to the song’s challenging subject matter. “South”  slowly builds into a haunting chorus with Lynch’s vocals harmonizing in the chorus. “The Lowest Place on Earth” has a soaring chorus and is a great song for the dance floor.

Breedless is another real quality release from an inventive duo, it should really surprise no one. Breedless effortlessly weaves together influences from various genres and makes its sound one that is memorable and instantly recognizable as Ego Likeness.

Listen to: The Devils in the Chemicals:

Buy Ego Likeness- Breedless