Urceus Exit - Compensation for the Sound of Silence

Title: Compensation for the Sound of Silence
Artist: Urceus Exit
Genre: Electro, Synth Pop, Electronica
Release Date: 1st September 2009
Label: Artoffact Records



Album Review

The Canadian Richard Duggan formed his brainchild URCEUS EXIT as a solo project in 1992. Since 1997, he has performed with hired live musicians. The recent long-player `Compensation for the Sound of Silence´ is the fifth release on Artoffact Records after recordings such as `Contra´ (2005) and the single `Metro´ (2005). The newest album is also available as limited double CD containing alternate versions of every track on disc 2.

The promo package consisted of the tracks you will find on disc 1; therefore I will only give a comment on this. The opener `King´ is a pulsating and icy piece including whispered vocals - and the best possible introduction. By and by, the song gains speed and creates a hypnotic effect. `Evenings Rush´ is a Drum’n’bass influenced mid-tempo track providing soulful vocals as well as several synth gimmicks. The danceable and catchy anthem `The Worst that I’ve become´ comes up with a catchy and melodious chorus that stands in the tradition of MESH or DEPECHE MODE songs. The portentously stamping instrumental track `The Road less travelled´ leads over to `What lies inside´ which is its logical sequel dealing with human depths in a rhythmic and seductive way.

Due to Duggan’s complex sound patterns, `Compensation for the Sound of Silence´ is anything but easy listening stuff. There are so many details that are able to captivate the buyer. Thus, the album requires attentive listening as well as a special mood. There isn’t one bad track interrupting the flow of electronic gems which are obsessed with details. Consequently, this long-player will please everyone who is interested in perfectly crafted synth material that becomes fully effective after repeated listening.


Tracklist

Disc 1
01. King
02. Evenings Rush
03. Drifting
04. The Worst That We’ve Become
05. Pretend
06. My Reward
07. It All Adds Up To Zero
08. The Road Less Travelled
09. What Lies Inside
10. The Mobilization of Blindness
11. Unbecoming
12. Compensation for the Sound of Silence

Disc 2
01. King [alt.]
02. Evenings Rush [alt.]
03. Drifting [alt.]
04. The Worst That We’ve Become [alt.]
05. Pretend [alt.]
06. My Reward [alt.]
07. It All Adds Up To Zero [alt.]
08. The Road less Travelled [alt.]
09. What Lies Inside [alt.]
10. The Mobilization of Blindness [alt.]
11. Unbecoming [alt.]
12. Compensation for the Sound of Silence [alt.]


Line-up

Richard Duggan - vocals, keys
Paul Hermann - drums (on stage)
Kyle Workman - keys (on stage)


Website

http://www.myspace.com/urceusexit / http://www.urceusexit.com/


Cover-Picture




Rating

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