seven

after three years of re-organizing idealism and shifting their previous darkwave sound, venrick & laskardies come back with a re-born dark ebm sound that ascends from idealism of such artist as vnv nation, funker vogt, and god module just to name a few. pushing heavy, attractive beat-driven rhythms, shadowy phase loops, punchy synthetic assaults and cold seductive vocals that were not present nor polished in previous releases.

after the initial shock of hearing this album the first time and not realizing how much different this sounded from their previous releases, it took only one more listen to realize how catchy and solid the programming and vocals were. although not being a big fan of vnv and vunker vogt, and obviously hearing the influences, i could accept what the azoic were doing and how they pushed that sound further, making it actually more enticing and accessible, incorporating a much darker edge both vocal- and programming-wise.

this eleven track release contains seven album tracks and four remixes by the likes of flesh field, fiction 8, oneiroid psychosis, and a23. of these tracks, "lost", "progression", "harsh reality", "redemption", and "carve into you" give the best examples of their rebirth that shines over the rest of the album. "lost" engages warm twisting harmonic goa loops, dense drop breaks, and trance rhythms and chords that ascend within dark enchanting vocals that perfectly paces this very catchy and danceable track. it reminds me much of vac's goa stylings and programming work but with several definite twists especially vocal edge wise. "progression" , probably one of the darkest tracks on this release works in same idealism as artists oneiroid psychosis, but with more ebm nature. utilizing shadowy and surrealistic air-choirs and analog chords that lurk and creep around foreboding deep female lyrical stylings, this track remains the best in its original form and really did not need three mediocre remixes to accompany it on this release.

track five, "harsh reality," works very seductive vocals edges and choruses that pace nicely around attractive ebm rhythms and catchy harmonies that ascend pleasantly around frequency patches. "redemption" pulls very energetic and bouncy rhythms that converge nicely with noir metallic vocals and alien house-like transitions. "carve into you" provides a nice introspective finish to this release, working spiraling loops, ascending militant snares that break into very attractive vnv-esq chord progressions that accompany venrick's intimate vocals. all very accessible for the club floor as well.

having listened to this release for over a month now, i can re-assure myself that i do enjoy the new directions this band has taken and what idealism they have pushed forward.