Assemblage 23 - Spark

Title: Spark
Artist: Assemblage 23
Genre: Electronic
Release Date: 25th September 2009
Label: Accession Records



Single Review

With his fifth album ‘Meta’, released in 2007, Tom Shear aka ASSEMBLAGE 23 was able to destroy preconceived notions about the sound of his band/project by mixing tracks that had the trademark sound with such following a slightly different approach. Now, about 2 years later, the sixth album ‘Compass’ is just around the corner and is said to be another major leap for ASSEMBLAGE 23. But before that album will see the light of day it’s the task of the preceding single ‘Spark’ to warm-up people for the new full-length release.

It was perfectly clear to me that Shear would pick a song that won’t deter people right away with an all too experimental approach. Thus, ‘Spark’ is a club filler par excellence with a top notch production highlighting his qualities as a lyricist – and the substantially improved skills on vocals. The first of two b-sides on the single is ‘Helicopter Girl’, and here he surprises with a funky slice of instrumental music disclosing his affinity for deliberate sound gimmicks and design. The second one ‘The Poison Moon’ is, despite its danceability, sort of a surreal effort in terms of its mood and besides that, an everlasting veil of night seems to cover this track curbing the mood of those hearing it.

Two remixes of the title track complement the tracklist of the single. The COMBICHRIST take on ‘Spark’ starts just as the original version with a somewhat exhilarating string section and melodic sequence. But then leads over to a cold electronic structure with only the vocals of Tom spending a little melody. The BLAQK AUDIO remix on the other hand, works with reversed melodic samples and just fragments of the original vocals. It is an interesting rendition showing that bringing together club compatibility with a more eclectic edge is viable. If the album material is as strong as the single suggests, then we have to get ourselves prepared for a masterpiece.


Tracklist

01. Spark (Album Mix) - 4:39
02. Helicopter Girl - 4:46
03. Spark (Combichrist Remix) - 4:36
04. The Poison Moon - 5:20
05. Spark (BlaqkAudio Remix) - 3:21


Line-up

Tom Shear – Music, Production, Vocals, Lyrics


Website

http://www.assemblage23.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/officialassemblage23


Cover Picture




Rating

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


{jos_sb_discuss:19}