Clan of Xymox- Farewell

Last Updated on Monday, 18 June 2007 19:57 Written by Administrator

Artist: Clan of Xymox
CD Title: Farewell
Label: Metropolis
Reviewer: Julie
Date: 8/26/03

After the much talked about, “Notes from the Underground”, Clan of Xymox is back with their next CD release “Farewell”. “Notes from the Underground” was really good and definitely a hit, but “Farewell” is so much better! The band is a true leader of dark- electro goth, and they know how to make it work. The sound of the CD keeps their traditional Clan of Xymox sound, but I found this CD had many more upbeat club friendly tracks. What was also good about the mix on the CD was they had five really danceable tracks, and within the danceable tracks the band had more dark gothic songs with less dance beats, that were really enjoyable tracks. I really liked the balance of the CD. It was not an over kill with super danceable tracks. It demonstrated good gothic rock. If you are into the more danceable tracks, I would suggest, “Farewell,” Cold Damp Day,” “There’s No Tomorrow,” “Courageous,” and “Into Extremes,” which seemed to have a harder edge with some industrial sounds. The song, “One More Time,” and “It’s Not Enough,” had a more rock feel, and not that they did not have programming, but it was a nice break from the really dance tracks. It took on a more rockish Cure type feel, but in the traditional style of Clan of Xymox. The last two tracks, also had more of rock feel, but “Skindeep had more of a moody atmospheric sound, and brought in more upbeat sounds, as “Losing My Head,” did not. “Farewell,” a definitely my favorite release by the band. It has club-hits, and had dark themes running though the CD. Where, I felt on some past albums, the less danceable songs have lacked, not a whole lot, but the songs that are not highly danceable are just as powerful, and have great melodies. Ronnie definitely has one of the best male gothic vocals. It is with those vocals, makes the lyrics really felt by the listener. “Farewell,” is beautifully balanced, and keeps the darkness within. I am really happen with this release, and this is a CD that I will want to listen to a lot.