The Midnight Stream- Cinematic

The Midnight Stream

Cinematic (CD)

Sound Vortex Recordings

By Julie Johnson 4/18/02

If your looking for variety between gothic, folk and ethereal tones you may find The Midnight Stream something you might like. There are 11 tracks on this album that will leave you with something different. The band has 1 cover of Bauhaus "Shes in Parties" to give the CD added gothic flavor The rest of the tracks are original. The last track is quite different from any of the other tracks. It is like, where did this dance remix come from? It is hard, but at the same time remains easy to listen to. The remix of "Midnight Stream" ( Dorsey dance Version) crosses genres and adds a little bit of industrial and ambient to the mix. With this song you can see that the band can expand upon their music. I also liked the mix of male and female vocals. The male vocals were dark and gave out new meanings to the songs with his vocal styling. "The Way Inside" is a darker song with electric guitar that is used to enhance the soundscapes in the background. This song opens up after the main intro with a trip-hop feel with the programming. The guitars welt out to give the song a more rock feel. The vocals are mixed with the male and female. The male vocals seem to be distorted, and given a touch of angst. "Esther" has the feel of the folk, with light beats, and electric guitar that creates a world beat and atmosphere. "Down to the Bone" has a mix of folk, and rock with the male vocals in control. The female vocals are added as well, to bring more of the folk songs. "Dreamlove" kicks back into the more trip-hop and ambient feel. "Head" is another dark song, with a good mix of vocals, and guitars that create a dark soundscape. This is one of the more edgy songs, but still remains with the tone of the record. "Where does the time go" is the darkest song, and has the angst driven vocals with a gothic feel. The beats are more slow, and create the darker mood, and could leave you in a trance like state. The soundscapes swirl all around to create a lush dreamlike atmosphere as well.