IAMX - Metanoia

IAMX - Metanoia (2015)
Caroline

A bit worse for every new record. But IAMX is still one of the best and most interesting electronic projects around. I just feel a bit tired of Chris Corner's music. I think it needs a change of direction. Yes, I know that this album is much more electronic than "The Unified Field". But I don't feel that's enough, going backwards seldom is. This project has the ability to go anywhere - so why stay home?

James Rays Gangwar - Destination Assassination: The Merciful Release Recordings 1989-1992

James Rays Gangwar - Destination Assassination: The Merciful Release Recordings 1989-1992 2CD
(2015) HNE

Ok, so this is the second part of the HNE Recordings James Ray re-issues. The name has changed from James Ray And The Performance to James Rays Gangwar. I don't know why, maybe due to change of personnel or possibly trying to appear more of a rock band? Anyhow, I think the music's pretty much the same. Featured on this album is the fabolous "Dios Está De Nuestro Lado" LP as well as the two non and pre-album singles "Another Million Dollars" and "Without Conscience" plus a whole CD with demos. Great stuff! Buy immediately!

James Ray And The Performance - Dust Boat: Merciful Release Recordings 1986-1989

James Ray And The Performance -
Dust Boat: Merciful Release Recordings 1986-1989
(2015) HNE

James Ray (And The Performance and Gangwar) is one artist I haven't been able to fully appreciate. I've always sensed that there were something there, somthing that I would like a lot. Almost 30 years since James Ray was presented to the world in Andrew Eldrich's ego/revenge-project The Sisterhood, HNE Recordings re-releases these early gems. Most of the songs were previously available on the "A New Kind Of Assassin" and the "Best Of James Ray's Performance & Gangwar" CDS, but I think they've been out of print for a very long time. I've been listening to this album and the "James Rays Gangwar - Dios Esta De Nuestro Lado" a lot, lately. And I'm beginning to love these albums. Nice electronic gothic rock before it even existed!

Pretentious, Moi? - Pretentious, Moi?

Pretentious, Moi? - Pretentious, Moi?
(2010) Not On Label

I don't know how I missed this band? Anyhow, Tim Chandler, of Manuskript fame is the main man behind this project. He's sometimes joined by Rachel Speight, from Die Laughing, on background vocals. This CD is simply fabolous. It's very fast gothic rock with great melodies. I admit that both the bass and the drum programming is lacking a bit - both in punch and sound, but for once I simply can't seem to care that much. The songs are too good to be soiled by bad production! Get it directly from the band.