Artist: IIOIOIOII

 

Album Title: Sun

 

Label: Juggernaut Records

Released: December 13th, 2013

 

Genre: Industrial Synth Pop

 

From: Charlotte NC

 

 

Biography:

“Started in 2012 IIOIOIOII (Pronounced I.O.) was formed by Christopher Gurney on a corner desk in his bedroom. Chris spent years slowing shaping the current sounds to match the tones and melodies in his head. Going from rough and distorted tones with growling and raspy vocals to smooth sounds by going both backwards and moving forward at the same time in style.

 

In late 2013 IIOIOIOII released Sun which gained accolades from the European Industrial music scene and was named the third best release of 2013 by Brutal Resonance”

 

Rising Sky

A very impressive entrance for this magnetic track that lures you into its fold and tantalises with its ambiance. The clean vocal is very well suited to the music. It’s slow and deliberate stance is expressive and triggers its character giving a focus for its darker edge.

 

Weapon

Ambles and meanders through an influx of choppiness on the synth notes. Whilst the vocals portray a magnetic enterprise that sound crisp, clean and somewhat dream-like.

 

Stardust

Is an amazing track bristling with beauty and innovative splendour? Its outstretched arm on which sits a dark rhythm that penetrates through the mind and delves deep into a void of swirling passion.

 

Do You Know

Mild mannered rhythms coax you along with crisp synth connotations and a smooth but edgy vocal, holding a lot of melodic flair in its creative structure.

 

Falling

Is a lot heavier posing a threatening beat and urgent synth notes that hold a dark flirtation. The twiddling squeaks adding in depth to its malevolence. This is a track you can again just lose yourself in and let its dramatic swathe of melodies wash over you allowing the listener to be immersed in a tidal wave of ample magnitude. Great track!

 

Spotlight

Tends to talk within a dark shadow of monotonous synth rhythms at the beginning of its creation, however it does perk up further on but somehow doesn’t ignite and fades out with a whimper rather than a bang.

 

We’re Still Alive

Impressive synth notes niggle feverishly on the senses, whilst a dramatic vocal builds a potent plateau on which to show the world ‘It is still alive’ Quite an involved track with loads to feast on making it another favourite one.

 

New Sedations

With a blast of unusual beats and tempestuous rhythms this track harbours an unrestrained infectiousness within its soaring heights. Holding massive enthralling expression that simply fascinates.

 

Echo

Dabbles in a fiery uplifting and solid sweep of unpredictability. A provocative structure of predatory rhythms that are flanked within a deep realm of seductiveness.

 

Goodbye

Immediately ear-catching for its tones of elegant keys that wind an interesting path of infused opportunities that are grabbed with both hands as it scales the heights with its charm.

 

Stardust (Screaming Teens Remix)

Producing such a sweet beat and catchy rhythm laced with a woven distorted sound that protrudes proudly through the track, is simply overwhelming with a torrent of melodic hits.

 

“Tempered with engaging synth sounds as well as unusually structured beats and rhythms, is an all-round, well-proportioned listen with plenty going on to ignite and invigorate a happy, healthy industrial synth mind!”

 

Spotlight (Revenant Cult Remix)

Wasn’t so fussed on the first version of this however this remix is enchanting and houses a good strong unruly beat that devours. The statement this track makes is powerful.

 

Rising Sky (Art Deko Remix)

Spiked synth notes jaggedly cut into a soundscape of colourful imagery. It holds a wonderful beat further on in the track that the body needs to move to, so obey and enjoy!

 

Spotlight (Garten Der Asche Remix)

This hits the spot with its lengthy rhythms that are fuelled with intrigue. The high synth notes are appealing and simply euphoric.

 

Stardust (Machinista Remix)

Well this is unusual with its cavalcade of distorted vocal and chirpy uplifting synth – what a great way to finish on.

 

Summary:

Well the name makes me want to start singing ‘ee ay addio’ with all of its O’s and I’s, that is until the album starts and then it is a serious dramatic listen that uplifts and contrasted with resourceful and emotive tracks that warrant further listening.

 

This album has some mouth-watering moments more often than not and brings together a lot of pleasing, teasing and caressing sounds to the aural.

 

With only one track that doesn’t float my boat, I am not going to say too much about it, as on the whole this more than just promises to be a good album – it is A GOOD ALBUM!

 

Tempered with engaging synth sounds as well as unusually structured beats and rhythms, is an all-round, well-proportioned listen with plenty going on to ignite and invigorate a happy, healthy industrial synth mind.

 

9½/10

 

Track List:

Rising Sky

Weapon

Stardust

Do You Know

Falling

Spotlight

We’re Still Alive

New Sedations

Echo

Goodbye

Stardust (Screaming Teens Remix)

Rising Sky (Art Deko Remix)

Spotlight (Garten Der Asche Remix)

Stardust (Machinista Remix)

 

Member:

Christopher Gurney

 

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