Lyronian - Side Scan

Title: Side Scan
Artist: Lyronian
Genre: Synth Pop, Electro
Release Date: 25th September 2009
Label: Prussia



Album Review

I haven’t known LYRONIAN before and therefore, I didn’t have any prior expectations when I received the promo version of `Side Scan´ which is the debut release of the German formation fronted by mastermind Alex Kern. After listening to the album with unprejudiced ears, I can say that it is highly recommendable for people who appreciate pop songs with a certain pinch of electro as well as dynamic guitars. The all in all 11 anthemic songs radiate a melancholic but not hopeless atmosphere. Garnished with the expressive vocals of Alex Kern, the pieces pave the way to the listeners´ ears and legs.

`Side Scan´ kicks off with the bittersweet and highly danceable `Matthew The Clown´ which has become my favourite track from the album due to the punchy electro rhythms joining catchy tunes and resulting in an exemplary dance floor filler. The following tracks also don’t have to hide behind the amazing opener: Accompanied by a future pop-like melody, `Life is a Show´ provides thoughtful lyrics and a wistful mood whilst the dark `Your Perception´ captivates its listening audience with distorted vocals and hypnotic beats. Generally, Kern’s sonorous voice is able to convey different feelings in an authentic way without lapsing into pathetic or sultry style.

When the last track `If the Darkness is Beauty´ - a firstly sentimental and poetic piano ballad that turns into a forceful dance track - was over, I had already been convinced that we will be hearing a lot more from LYRONIAN. To sum up: `Side Scan´ is definitely worth listening and will please all lovers of sophisticated electronic pop who are also attracted by names such as IAMX, VNV NATION and MESH.


Tracklist

01. Matthew the Clown
02. The Place Above
03. Life is a Show
04. The Sleep of the Just
05. Broken Crockery
06. Neverending Warmth
07. Inferno
08. Silvery Light
09. Your Perception
10. For all Eternity
11. If the Darkness is Beauty


Line-up

Alex Kern – lyrics, vocals, instruments

Additional musicians:
Martin Buchmann – guitar
Mike Sperlich – live synths
Hendrik Jakob – live synths


Website

http://www.myspace.com/lyronian / http://www.lyronian.com/


Cover-Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10


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