Silent Auction - H on Earth

Written by Hemi Malkki Monday, 23 August 2010 12:03

Artist: Silent Auction
Title: H on Earth
Genre: Future Pop
Release date: 6th July 2010
Label: Nilailah Records

Album Review

SILENT AUCTION was founded by Jason Barbero in Rochester, NY already in 1997. Started as an industrial project, the formation did not assume its current style until 2003 when the line-up was completed with Theresa "Terry" Snyder, after which the band has moved more into the direction of Future Pop, largely shedding its underground roots. After several self-releases, EP's, singles and compilation appearances, Barbero and Snyder, currently working as a duo, now bring forth a full length album.

'H on Earth' consists of twelve tracks of which 'NB Sadness' and 'Good Girl' have been previously released in single and EP format. The latter one is without a doubt the catchiest track on the album - it's tacky but will work on dance floors. There is also remixes of 'Reverie' and 'Heart Attack' by MIND.IN.A.BOX. and COSMICITY, respectively. SILENT AUCTION's dance floor and radio-friendly FUTURE POP sound is influenced predominantly by trance and EBM. The music is well performed and produced but unmoving. Vocals are in overall heavily processed, and, although it admittedly is part of Dance / Future Pop style, especially on 'Heart Attack' the usage of auto tune is so heavy it sounds very 2002.

From what can be figured out under all that processing, both members of the band would appear to be decent singers - in which case, less would most likely be more. Other than that, there's hardly anything to really dislike about 'H on Earth' but, unfortunately, the lack of gripping choruses and memorable melody lines leaves the album without hit potential.

Tracklist

01. Beautiful Mess - 04:26
02. Reverie - 05:49
03. Detour - 05:31
04. Good Girl - 05:02
05. Restless - 04:38
06. Fastlane - 05:01
07. Rhythm - 02:54
08. Heart Attack - 05:25
09. What Remains - 06:10
10. Blue Face - 04:36
11. Freedom And Chance - 04:01
12. NB Sadness - 05:40
13. Reverie mind.in.a.box remix - 05:53
14. Heart Attack Cosmicity remix - 04:43

Line-up

Jason Barbero - vocals, lyrics, arrangements
Theresa Snyder - vocals, arrangements, programming

Website

http://www.myspace.com/silentauction

Cover Picture

Rating

Music: 6
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 7 / 10

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