Title: Ultima Ratio
Artist: X-Fusion
Genre: Harsh Electro
Release Date: 25th September 2009
Label: Scanner
Album Review
The new X-FUSION long-player `Ultima Ratio´ is out now. Mastermind Jan L. who discovered his passion for electronic sounds by using a C64 in 1988 delivers a dark and at the same time catchy recording again. The album slowly sneaks on soundless feet: Opening up with `The Calm before the Storm´, this track features a glockenspiel-like melody which is rather alarming and rhythmic than sweet and peaceful. Therefore, the title was well-chosen as the short piece perfectly prepares for what will come.
Though the synth gimmicks of `Leave No Seed´ are pretty melodic, the pumping up-tempo beats and the dark distorted vocals result in a mercilessly harsh dance track. `House of Mirrors´ begins with whispering vocals and Trance-like rhythms that are accompanied with playful keyboard lines. A piano introduces the pounding `Psychopath´ which is interrupted by a synth melody. It is striking that Jan L. consequently combines hard and raw-edged technoid sounds with melodic synth effects resulting in unique pieces that were even able to convince a non-Electro head like me.
There are so many things to discover and you will have to listen to `Ultima Ratio´ more than one time, as it invites to look for all the Easter egg sound art features making this album stand out from the crowd. For example, `Burn down the Flags´ surprised me due to an oriental-like melody joining the hellish vocals and brute beats. Details like this contribute to a variegated production attesting the intelligent and complex approach Jan L. is known for. Thus, `Ultima Ratio´ is highly recommendable for those who would like to dance and enjoy a detailed soundscape
Tracklist
01. The Calm before the Storm (1:39)
02. Leave No Seed (4:00)
03. House Of Mirrors (5:33)
04. Psychopath (4:44)
05. Burn Down the Flags (4:24)
06. Ultima Ratio (4:38)
07. Follow Your Leader (4:49)
08. Rise and Fall (3:43)
09. Exspes (4:49)
10. Still Breathing (5:53)
11. Already Dead (4:04)
12. Daily Dose (5:14)
13. Inferno (3:25)
Line-up
Jan L.
Website
http://www.x-fusion.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/xfusion
Cover-Picture
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10
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