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Non-Prog CD Reviews

My Woshin Mashin

Evil Must Die

Review by Gary Hill

First, it has to be stated that this outfit should get some bonus points for that band name. How can you not love that? I really do like the album a lot without that, though. Although not every song is completely effective, overall it’s quite strong. And, there’s nothing that’s especially weak, either. I’d have to say that perhaps arranging some of the cuts a little differently might have made it a strong album, at least in terms of listening from start to finish. All in all, though the blend of electronic music, techno and more mainstream pop rock elements works quite well. I should mention that the cover image has been edited for the sake of the Music Street Journal ethos. 

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Riders on the Storm
It’s hard to imagine anyone could see that title without thinking of the Doors song. Well, this is unrelated to that piece, except for sharing a title with it. Energetic electronic music opens this beast. The vocals are processed at the beginning to sound sort of like some kind of otherworldly children. Then some more industrial vocals are heard in the mix. This is a smoking hot jam that gets quite prog-oriented (but still with a decidedly electronic/dance sound) later.
Hobo Rap

Weird effects laden sounds start this. There’s sort of a science fiction film vibe to the intro. Then it works to a tune that seems to combine modern techno music with Kraftwerk. Some of the vocals bring a soulful element to the table. The raps work in that science fiction vibe (or at least the science part).

They Live
Techno and electronic music merge with some urban sounds on this. There are even some world music elements in the mix on this thing. It’s got a great groove and is quite fun. It should be noted that there are some science fiction elements and oddities here. Among those, some soundbites from the John Carpenter film that shares its title with this number. That’s a great thing for me because that’s one of my all time favorite movies from my all time favorite director.
Eli
In some ways, this track doesn’t have the “strange” factor some of the other music here does. It’s also lacking any industrial vibe. It’s not really dance music, though. Instead, it’s more of a soulful electronic sounding piece. That said, there are some world music vibes in this, too.
Superhero
Although the general musical concept hasn’t changed a lot from the previous number, this is a stronger piece. As good as that one was, that says a lot. The vocal performance on this is really inspiring and there are some cool musical moments, too. This is one of the highlights of the set.
We Are What We Eat

Dance music and techno merge on this energetic tune. There are some industrial moments and some world music bits, too. Some movie clip soundbites are included on this track, as well. It’s good, but just doesn’t really stand apart as much as some of the other material here does.

Babylon 4
Electronic progressive rock seems to merge with the usual players of this set here. This is a more purely melodic tune than some of the rest. I think the clips on this are from “Babylon 5.” Of course, the title should have suggested that, anyway. It’s a melodic tune, but perhaps not as strong or intriguing a piece as some of the rest.

 

Smell of Love
Some of the lyrics to this seem to be in French. The cut overall is another that’s more melodic. There are some almost rockabilly guitar elements at play. This is quite a cool piece of music, both in terms of variety and just plain effectiveness. There is some French café music worked in later, too.
Vodka

Techno and industrial music merge on this fun little number. There’s nothing fancy or all that different here, but this just works quite well. It seems to be catchier than some of the rest.

Betelgeuse

Arguably the most accessible piece on the whole album, this is just so cool. It’s got a great electronic music meets classy groove to it. This might be my favorite song here.

Sun & Rain

Here we get another of the more mainstream tunes of the set. It’s just not quite as effective as the previous one. Still, the vocals are soaring and this is quite a pretty and accessible number.

Bradbury

Another contender for the best song on the disc, this is another that’s more mainstream and accessible. I’d have to say that these last three songs probably would have worked better if two of them were moved to break up the fact that they are sort of similar in tone and musical scope. That said, they are all quite good songs and I think this is almost certainly the best choice for album closer. I love this tune and it’s a great way to get the listener to hit the “repeat” button.

 

 
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