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Goth rockers The Birthday Massacre are well versed in sonic
creations with a cinematic scope. The effect comes through in the
way lead vocalist Chibi projects the lyrics to enhance the
drama and human frailty in the storylines, as Owen's synths
fill in the rhythmic swells with fantasy-encrusted lasers and guitarists
Michael Falcore and Rainbow whip up gusty flourishes.
Crevices produce a craggy bedding in the tracks as drummer Rhim
and bassist Nate Manor chomp away at the melodic progressions.
The sextet's new album Imaginary Monsters puts a club vibe
in their Goth rock chisels, broadening the band's appeal to reach
a wider audience.
Dark and brooding, the swirling action of the synths and the bristling
chords of the guitar shroud Chibi's vocals in a cape of intense flames
through "Burn Away," creating a maelstrom along the chorus
parts cinched by simmering lulls along the verses. The deep inclines
made by the rhythm section form crevices through "Shallow Grave"
with an industrial rock clawing as the sonic flares of "Left
Behind" resonate like a rock symphony casting haunting shadows
through the track. The palpitating beats of "Pale" keep
Chibi's vocals suspended, turning to a deep pounding in "Control"
as they swing between a melodic resonance and a wicked distortion.
"Pins And Needles" integrates the churning motion of industrial
rock with the swirling soundscapes of Goth rock and the chunky guitar
flusters of hard rock.
The lyrics weave tales of fallen lives like in "Burn Away"
as Chibi describes, "She's out of touch / He's out of time
/ They'll always live in the castle / The fading flower / The passing
hours / They fall like sand through their fingers." Keeping
in line with this theme is "Forever" as Chibi discerns,
"You wait for the sun in the morning / I wait for the rain
/ Sometimes you're too close when I close my eyes / For now, you're
quiet again / When this story is over / You'll never want it the
same."
Goth rock could be considered passé for today's society,
but The Birthday Massacre make it sound fresh and exciting. The
tracks have a club vibe that strengthens their cinematic look without
diluting the band's Goth rock edge.
-Susan Frances
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