Serious Black -Barbican

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 16:04 Written by Administrator

Artist: Serious Black
CD Title: Barbican
Label: Dantes Landlord
Reviewer: Julie Johnson

Date: 8/21/03

Serious Black takes on many interesting angles for Barbican. For the first time in a while, I felt that I heard more of an old- school gothic sound, and within the vocals. This album has many differnet styles compiled into one. It has a dark electro feel at times, it can be danceable, and then it can take you back to a more anicent sound. For example if you are looking for a more upbeat dark electro style, then PLeasure seekers is your bet on this CD. I really like the main muisic and the main vocals, if was the chorus of "Pleasure Seekers", that was not my favorite part of the sound. Although melodic, it was not a smooth melody. In someways, this song reminds me of sommething like the Electric Hellfire Club. So, honestly, the chorus was boring to me. The next song, "Days of future past, has the more neo-classic sound, with less electronics.The vocals have less wraspy quality, and more of like a church like feel. , but I must say, not church music at all. The next song, "Invincible Force of the Power Force", is back to the use of electronics. It has a good dancable beats. I liked the new effect to the vocals, as the vocals take on a robotic feel. The chorus in this song is much better, and holds a good melody. For more gothic of the band, I would go for tracks like "Discipline" and "The Prowler. Again, this is where I feel more of the old-school gothic flavor is build within the album. I really enjoyed, The Prowler", good vocals, but again I was looking for little more within the vocals during the chorus. Everything else has a really good feel, and if you really like the CD these are little things you will look over them. It is strong CD with good gothic and dark electro that is not overly used. Fianlly some good gothic vocals, that was a scary feel. Oh, and this band is from Elmira, NY, because they have put gothic on the map there.