Ego Likeness- The Lowest Place on Earth

Artist: Ego Likeness

CD Title: The Lowest Place on Earth

Label: Self - Released

Genre: Industrial- Darkwave

Baltimore industrial-darkwave two-piece (wife and husband Donna Lynch and Steven Archer, her on vocals and piano, him on guitar, programming and vocals) Ego Likeness bring you their latest four tracks

The Lowest Place on Earth kicks off with clean beats and builds towards determined industrial Rob Zombie/Rammstein-esque riffage, which gives way to stripped back thuds and squelches before Donna’s yearning, sultry gothic song makes itself known. Here is a woman who has lungs and is not afraid to use them, she means every breath and this first track is instantly accessible and a perfect intro to the pair. You will be singing along to the despair and torment of this gothic songstress before the first listen is over!

Elements of Classical, Metal and Operatic infuse the band’s essence and second track, I’m not Mary Ann is run through, start to finish with a heartbreaking refrain backing the darkly cool storytelling. It is sad yet unyielding, with a solid, resolute bass and drums backing steady, underplayed grinding riffs and agonised, yet sultry vocals. Misery is a delight to share in when it is expressed so frankly and with talent.

Oceans and Bridges is a sweet and serene yet stern, melody driven instrumental affair. It is a chilled, intensely etheric piece and oscillates between aggressive percussion and euphoric strings. The classical structure, mixed with the growling guitars and plinky melody give this instrumental track a contemplative, silky smooth feel.

Second Skin further displays these vulnerable, slick yet powerful vocals, furthering the Nordic-operatic quality, introducing squelchy retro synths and yearning guitar refrains while the drums get meaner and the cool energy and evocatively cruel lyrics lead you towards soaring epic moments before ending with an oddly “rat-a-tat” drummer boy percussion loop, which seems to fit perfectly , despite its weirdness.

All in all this little four track snippet is an enjoyable, heart-warming, soul crushing affair, and all of the tracks will keep coming back to you in their own way for days after your last listen.

Take a Listen: The Lowest Place On Earth