Fraktal Emotions- The Falsehood

Artist: Fraktal Emotions
CD Title: The Falsehood
Label: Fraktal Nightmare
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 7/12/06

The music of Spanish project Fraktal Emotions is rooted in the simplistic and mechanical drum patterns of early EBM, but where programmer and songwriter Roberto Gutierrez really shines isn't on the dance floor but in the dark atmospheres he creates to accompany the beats. "Stupid Society," for example, would be a typical industrial tirade against group mentality, but an overtly pretty intro and some graceful strings elevates it into something more interesting. "Yesterday" likewise is noteworthy not so much for its bitter lyricism or snappy electro beats but for its moody pianos and tribal-infused tom-toms. While Gutierrez is somewhat limited as a vocalist, this is hardly a handicap in the industrial scene; after all, Nitzer Ebb's Douglas McCarthy didn't really start singing in an actual key until their fourth or fifth album. Besides, between an assortment of well-placed backing singers and some basic but judiciously-used studio effects, Gutierrez is more than competent at working around his limits as a singer. "T.S.M.Y.F." makes up for vocal proficiency with sheer emotion, for example, while a subtle but effective digital delay on title track "The Falsehood" gives the vocals the strength to meet the song's hollow percussive rhythm. Gutierrez's skills in the production studio also show up on a bonus track, a remix of "Killer Worms" by fellow Spanish act Return Without Gosub that starts with moody orchestral ambience before bursting into a guitar-driven gothic rocker. At once moody and rhythmic, Fraktal Emotions will especially appeal to fans of such acts as Yelworc, although Gutierrez's music is a bit more raw and aggressive, as well as classic acts like Leaether Strip or even early Apoptygma Berzerk.

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