Clan of Xymox- In Love We Trust

Written by Robert Eaton

Artist: Clan of Xymox

CD Title: “In Love We Trust”

Label: Metropolis Records

Reviewer: Robert Eaton

Date: 10/23/09

Venerable goth-rockers, Clan of Xymox, return with “In Love We Trust”, their latest release on Metropolis/Trisol. The album is typically atmospheric, brooding, and what you would expect from Clan of Xymox. For those needing the goth refresher-course: Clan of Xymox is formed in 1984, in Nijmegen, Netherlands; and the band is fine form considering the passage of time. Old fans will be pleased to hear that even though Ronnie Moorings is the only original member still on board (Clan of Xymox/Xymox never had the most stable line-up) the record will sound instantly recognizable as Clan of Xymox. Still, the record is fresh enough to not sound archaic juxtaposed to some of their goth/darkwave descendants.

Those who mourn their stolen copies of Cleopatra comps of yester-year might think they have been transported back in time. Tracks like the openers “Emily” and “Hail Mary” seem familiar already, even if they are new songs. The eerie “Judas” is a fantastic track, opening in to a big, symphonic chorus as Moorings moans away. There are touches of programming that come in after the chorus to remind the listener of the year. “Morning Glow” comes mid-album, and with its ringing guitars and a memorable chorus --it’s a high-point on the album. The album is not a nostalgia-trip, --nor has the band repeated the mistake of ‘94’s “Headclouds” by “updating” their sound to please an audience whose tastes had changed. The album is simply the band doing what it does best. If this album does what it ought to do, it should carry the resurgence of the band for old listeners and new. Besides the album, Clan of Xymox has also been touring with current live members: Mojca Zugna, Mario Usai and Yvonne de Ray.

With the glut of bands currently selling the kids a derivative form of new-wave influenced rock, it shouldn’t be hard for “In Love We Trust” to find listeners. More importantly, it seems to me “In Love We Trust” adds something to an already impressive collection of releases.