Project 12:01- Last Pharaoh

Written by Jeremy Eckhart

Artist: Project 12:01
CD Title: Last Pharaoh
Label: Self Produced
Reviewer: Jeremy Eckhart
Date: 01/07/05

Tracklist: 1. Last Pharaoh 2. Taste 3. Beyond These Streets 4. Just as Sound 5. Are There Angels? 6. Lucid 7. Crook and Flail 8. Cleo Kisses Caesar 9.Bluish Jewel 10. Spill 11. Love 12. Shut the Door 13. Headhunter 14. This Heaven 15. Taste (AI: Android Infatuation Mix)

Project 12:01, a successful, local electronic band from Denver, Colorado, return with the latest version of their highly seductive cross-breed of trip-hop, darkwave, ethereal, dark synth pop, and electro goth. The new release, "Last Pharaoh", reworks some of their best, past material, and crafts them into fifteen songs of pure musical beauty.

The album as a whole is a progressive, surrealistic trip into the lush and inviting dream realms of the delightfully talented duo of Melissa London ( Vocals, Lyrics, Synths, and Arrangements) and Noel Johannes (Electronics, Synths, Programming, and Samples). There are many refrences to Egyptian culture and mythology throughout the album, and the incredibly strong programming and synths make each journey an audio reality in the ears of the listener.

The vocals of Melissa London are simply put... incredible. From a seductive whisper that changes qualities with the mood of the song, then up and down the range. The next Siouxsie Sioux? There are definite similarities.

The electronics and programming provided by Noel Johannes are unbelievable. Taking us through almost every genre in the electronic gamut of styles. At times similar to Underworld, Portishead, and The Orb, but with a flair all its own. Very powerful stuff indeed.

It was hard for me to pick a favorite track on "Last Pharaoh". With so many different moods and styles it almost seemed wrong to not absorb the album as a whole, instead of a collection of songs, considering the underlying Egyptian theme and the avant garde feel of the album. If I had to choose, I would say "Are There Angels?" is my favorite. The over-effected vocals of the verses and the addictive loop pull me in. I have to admit to reversing back to track five quite a few times. There is also an excellent cover of Front 242's "Headhunter" which Melissa brings to a whole new dimension, and the song "Spill" is an electronic masterpeice.

A band that is on the rise, very talented, and well worth looking into.

Project 12:01... Intelectronic music.

For more info, please visit the Project 12:01 website at:
www.project1201.com