Ready Never
Eleutherophobia
Review by Gary Hill
This set is essentially electronic dance music, but there is a decent range to it beyond that. It’s marred by one thing, though. Many of the vocals are over-processed with autotune or some similar technology. That’s an annoying element and one that will ultimately probably make this feel very dated very soon. I say that because these days there is quite a real negative response to vocals like that in the public that seems to be growing. I’ve talked to musicians, music fans and critics and there is really a rising backlash against that kind of processing on vocals. In fact, I’ve talked to people who review this type of music specifically who say that once they hear that, they shut it off and don’t even bother with it. I know that was the sound that was all the rage for a while. It’s nearing its extinction point and groups who still embrace it are going to have to fight hard to keep from heading down that same trail. The thing is, it’s really a shame here because if you take that element away, this is a great set for its style. I’d like to see these guys continue. They just need to get beyond the fad of processed vocals. They are better than that.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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