I:Scintilla- The Approach

Written by Matthew Johnson

Artist: I:Scintilla
CD Title: The Approach
Label: (self-released)
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 12/25/05

If you were a fan of San Francisco trio Sunshine Blind, you would do well to check out the debut album from I:Scintilla. Not only does this band share Sunshine Blind’s easy transition between thoughtful slow songs and industrial-strength rockers, lead singer Brittany Bindrim has a very similar vocal style to Caroline Blind’s, full and melodic but without affectation. “Imitation” and “Scin” are musically tight but hard-hitting, like a less growling KMFDM, but feature gorgeous vocal harmonies and ethereal bridge sections, while “Havestar” is more dance-oriented, with big techno beats alternating with grinding power chords. “Translate” begins on a quieter note, with softer vocals and keyboards floating on a background of lightly strummed guitar, but then builds into an electrified industrial pop song that’s fast enough to slam dance to but still pretty enough to get stuck in your head. The intriguingly titled “Capsella Bursa Pastoris” is a mellow interlude of trip-hop rhythm and moody background textures, while “The Intruder, Part IV” sees I:Scintilla at their creepiest, with Bindrim whispering over ominous ambient synthesizers and distorted snippets of sampled conversation. It segues into album closer “The Bells,” which starts gently enough but builds into another epic rock piece, full of big guitars and dark electronics. If there’s any complaint with this album, it’s that it’s too short; there’s enough variety here that I:Scintilla could’ve put out a double-CD without having to repeat themselves. Check this one out if you’re into modern dark rock with a hint of industrial; fans of the Birthday Massacre and the aforementioned Sunshine Blind in particular should give this band a listen.

Visit the band's website at www.iscintilla.com.