9th Evolution- 9E INC

Artist: 9th Evolution

CD Title: 9E INC

Label: IotL Records (Industry of the Leeches)

Genre: industrial/new wave/alternative/synthpop/electronic

Before I dive into my review of 9th Evolution's latest offering 9E INC, Let me first start this review by saying 9th Evolution is a reviewers wet dream.

Unlike 99.9% of bands and labels out there that just simply "don't get it" 9th Evolution understand the meaning of respect. I hope all artists and labels reading this take note. It is very frustrating when a reviewer like myself, has to hire a detective, just to find out more information about a band, because the band or label did not bother to send it to us, or even make that information available on their Facebook pages or websites. This is not only a huge waste of the reviewer's time to have to scour the Internet, but also for potential fans looking to find out more about you. You don't mess with your waiter before they bring your food, so don't piss off or frustrate the reviewer before they review your record. The reason it is called the music business, is because it is in fact, still a business. It is true that most of us musicians and labels are basically making diddly squat these days, but that should not excuse nor encourage unprofessional behavior. 9th Evolution understands all of this. By sending us a full digital press kit along with the music, we can easily access any bio's, artwork, press releases, etc along with the music.

So, all that being said, I'm going to conclude my off topic rant with what I consider to be the perfect digital press kit. Music (MP3's, files clearly marked with band or artist name,name of song, mix names if there are mixes on every track). Press kit - (Full bio, press release or one sheet and cover art). Most important, all of this should be neatly included in a zip or RAR file, so when we, the reviewers, unzip the file, we will find everything we need to do our jobs- MP3's, cover artwork, bio, press release, etc. Please DO NOT send it separately, 9 times out of 10, we will never see it, it will get lost in the shuffle of thousands of records that we receive. So once again, kudos to 9th Evolution for being so incredibly prepared, professional and respectful.

Now on to the review...Out of St.Petersburg,Florida comes three brilliant musicians, Nicholas Whitfield,his wife Jennifer Whitfield and Shaun Baily who are also know as 9th Evolution. Nicholas is the fearless leader and main creative force behind 9th Evolution. Hold tight my friends we are about to embark on a journey not just of sight and sound, but of mind. 9th Evolution released two albums, "The Life Atomic" in 2010 and Retro Americana in 2012, both albums are deeply personal for Nicholas.   

I never thought I'd ever hear that "fresh from the can" sound again. You know the sound of freshness escaping from being pent up inside a tin can? A sound that your cat or dog knows well, that has them running towards the sound, knowing something good is waiting for them. Well my friends, that pretty much sums up the sound of 9th Evolution.

If Gary Numan & Tubeway Army was to make a project with Nine Inch Nails, this is probably what it might sound like. 9th Evolution even admit that both of these classic artists are one of their many diverse influences. The 80's come alive again, right from the onset of the album with the title track 9E INC. Nicholas Whitfield's vocals have that post punk, pre new wave, rare quality that you just won't find in many bands these days. It is somewhere between Gary Numan and Trent Reznor, but topped off with a nice dose of good ole classic punk rock.

What is incredibly clever, is how they are able to tow the line between harsh EBM and 80's new wave, while playfully flirting with other genres like classic rock. I'm still in awe of how they can go from a harsh EBM sound to old school new wave in the same track!  It's like the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning on every song. So fresh and exciting, you never know where the music is going to take the listener. I can honestly say, that I have not ever heard anything like this before. Sure, many bands have tried to mix styles, but 9th Evolution seems to corner the market on this impressive stew of eclectic perfection."We are a product of our influences and environment and goddamn proud of it!".

9th Evolution's music is thought provoking and wildly entertaining. This powerful trio brings a unique and invigorating perspective to an otherwise lifeless and predictable, struggling music scene. Why the majors have not snatched up these future rock stars yet, just goes to prove that true talent continues to go unnoticed, while you can always count on a steady stream of dull and soulless crap to invade your ear canal. The biggest treat is that in one thirteen track album, we get so many pleasant and delicious surprises. It's like visiting an amusement park that is so vast that although you spent all day there, you could go back tomorrow and there would still be tons more to see and do. You experience something new on every listen. Now that's great art!

9th Evolution has a strong message behind their music "9th Evolution is a commentary on our modern world, and a clarion call for change. They speak intelligently about social issues, without losing their audience. The music speaks for itself, and it is a voice which we cannot ignore."

9th Evolution explains their music as a journey and that is exactly what it is. A roller coaster ride of unexpected twists and turns and the thrill of not knowing what may be coming next, but will keep you coming back for more. 9E INC is my first taste of 9th Evolution , but if 9E INC is actually any indication of what their first two albums will sound like, then sign me up right now.

Whether you are a fan of EBM, industrial, goth,classic rock, hard rock, new wave, hardcore punk, hard rock,80's or alternative, 9th Evolution has something that will surely appeal to you. I don't say this about many bands, but I think 9th Evolution would be incredible to see live.

9th Evolution has that special quality that makes you an instant fan and leaves you craving for more.

Listen to 9th Evolution- 9E INC

Buy 9th Evolution- 9E INC