The House of Usher and The Escape- Conspiracy

ARTIST: The House of Usher & The Escape
ALBUM: Conspiracy (Split-single)
LABEL: Equinoxe Records
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 10-28-07

As a special treat for fans, German gothic rock institutions The House of Usher and The Escape have teamed up to release this special split single. The Escape start things off with title track "The Escape," which is classic bombast in the vein of the first Sisters of Mercy album, all baritone vocals and jagged guitars. Unoriginal, perhaps, but as great to sing along with as "First, Last and Always" or "Nine While Nine," and the pianos are a nice touch as well. "I Wonder Why" is slower and moodier, with epic keyboard work backing the guitars. Then The House of Usher take over with "Into the Blue." Though it's not a cover of The Mission's similarly-named song, it's awfully similar, with mellifluous baritone vocals, clean and intricate guitars, and even female backing vocals reminiscent of Wayne Hussey's duets with All About Eve's Julianne Regan. "Friendly Fire" is bigger and slower, with loud drums, slowly squealing guitar, and more female backing vocalists, this time sounding more like Gitane Demone in latter-day Christian Death. For now, this is only available as a limited-edition vinyl single, so only diehard fans of the two bands are really even aware of it. That's a shame; it would be great to have this on CD, because it would make an excellent introduction to two great German bands who don't have nearly the level of exposure they deserve in the United States. If you're a fan of classic gothic rock, do yourself a favor and check out both acts, even if you don't pick up this particular single.

The House of Usher is online at www.the-house-of-usher.de and you can find The Escape at www.the-escape.de .