Brainclaw- Dead Monsters

Artist: Brainclaw
CD Title: Dead Monsters
Label: BLC Productions
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 10-15-06

The BLC Productions label has made its mark by catering to the industrial dance scene with a slew of albums and compilations aimed squarely at club DJs. It only makes sense that Brainclaw's first CD for the label should reveal a shift towards this end of the spectrum, and such tracks as "Feed The Machine" and "Hypocritic" are perfect tracks for the dance floor. "Ultrastrukture" even verges on terror EBM; with its pounding sequences and Tara Giuffre's raspy, distorted vocal work, it fits right in with fellow BLC Productions artists like Agonoize and Synaptic Defect. Longtime Brainclaw fans need not fret, however, as this album still displays plenty of variety. "Strike" is a rocking industrial track faintly reminiscent of KMFDM, with Tara Giuffre vamping sensually behind husband David's sardonic snarl, while "The Human Condition" is a quieter, more melancholy darkwave selection. Perhaps more surprising are "Fallen" and "Euphorium," both featuring David on lead vocals. These are some of Brainclaw's least aggressive tracks, less influenced by industrial and gothic than the techno-inspired melodic dance music of VNV Nation and Covenant. They're both quite beautiful, with lots of layered vocal harmonies and soaring synth textures, and it's impressive how well the Giuffres have managed to pull off the style, especially considering the number of second-rate synthpop bands flooding the scene right now. Then again, maybe it's not so impressive after all; maybe it's just more evidence that Brainclaw can produce tracks in every genre, from all-out EBM club assaults to melancholy gothic ballads. With Dead Monsters, they've done it again, and this album has a little something for everyone, from the hardcore boots and camouflage crowd to the lace and lipstick set.

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