Last Updated on Saturday, 02 July 2011 18:15
Written by Scott Sweet
Artist: Celldweller
CD Title: Wish upon a Blackstar
Genre: EBM
Website: www.facebook.com/celldweller
Where to purchase: www.fixtstore.com
Reviewer: Scott Sweet
Date: 6-30-2011
You've heard Klayton's music more often than you think. His high-octane EBM augments movie trailers, TV and video games. In the nineties, Klayton developed his sound as Circle of Dust (which I call "Christiandustrial" based on the lyrics) and Argyle Park. In 1998, he recorded with illusionist Criss Angel as Angeldust.
By releasing "chapters" of two songs each, we get them faster than if Klayton waited to release the finished album. As of June 29th, we're up to four chapters. The trademark elements are layers (and layers and layers) of throbbing synth, guitar and drums shifting between rock and breakbeat. Celldweller's advantage is that Klayton is a notably better singer than we expect in this genre. However much he processes the vocals, they're on key and melodic.
When Japan finally introduces a pole-dancing robot, "The Best It's Gonna Get" is the go-to theme. Other standouts include "Eon" and "Louder than Words". "So Long Sentiment" is my anthem for the next week or two - great vocals (and some moody vibraphone) against a manic breakbeat. Celldweller doesn't sit on one bass note for six minutes; Klayton changes chords as often as Foo Fighters. He also skips the cliche of sampled dialogue from sci-fi movies.
Whether you "Wish upon a Blackstar" in chapters or wait for the full CD, check out Celldweller and Klayton's earlier work. He reminds us that melody has a place among the gigabytes.
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