| Originality
to me is as important as the sound, production value and overall enjoyment
of any song. When Tim O'Sullivan, Kingston's veteran lighting tech, came
over to my place with c0ndu1t's new cd I was unexpectedly impressed. I
consider myself to be a music purest; guitars, bass, piano, drums and vocals.
Although growing up and loving Pink Floyd, Robin Trower, Rush, Yes and
Jethro Tull... and with a few exceptions of today's sound... their's not
one band I can think of that can take programming to an artform then brilliantly
record, produce and master with the exception of this band, c0ndu1t.
Burlington,
Ontario based c0ndu1t is Brian Hogue (vocals, guitars, synthesizers, programming,
sound design), James Miles (synthesizers, programming, sound design), David
Green (bass, programming, sound design) and Robert Nantais (drums &
percussion). The cd is recorded with additional drum performances by Jeremy
Knowles.
The
c0ndu1t sound is big and bold with Hogue's industrial-metal vocals fueled
by a haunting, neverending electronic assult on your senses. Their distinctive
beats overcome your racing heart, taking you from reality to the threshold
of your mind that's been peppered with thematic elements. You won't find
stories of how boy loses girl. You may find a self-awakening and you will
be stimulated; mostly dark, this is very intelligent music.
"Burning
Inside" begins the journey on this 12-track album. Almost like a war cry,
this song sets the stage for this cd in the spirit of rock operas and concept
albums telling a story, one track at at time.
You
can almost feel the mystery conveyed in the next track "Black Water". Be
it the fog rising from a Scottish Loch, the band's nearby surrounding of
Hamilton Harbour as an environmental disaster or simply a metaphor of life,
this song will hold your attention. Percussion in this, like all their
songs, has me in awe.
"Part
Of The Show" takes an unusual twist using faster highly rhythmic beats
with Hogue bringing you along for the ride as would the demonic comic book
legend Ghost Rider.
Just
like opening a door and not knowing what to expect on the other side, "Akane"
greets you with it's marching beat and soothing synth. The magic of the
instruments and sampling combined with Hogue's raspy vocals is like gasoline
on fire. Possibly inspired by Akane Tendo, an RPG heroine or a similar
real life person, the lyrics say it all...
Akane
to help me walk
Akane
to help me lean
Akane
to hold me
Hold
me when I scream
Pretty
pictures
Pretty
words
Pretty
girl
Pretty
fucked up
You
didn't have to say hello
You'll
experience yet again another unique style in the instrumental "94". Pounding
drums leading into a cool metal guitar riff. Their's no turning back, we're
only halfway through this sonic adventure.
Track
6 is an orchestral-like journey titled "Stitch". It's like a medieval resurrection
as you're approaching the castle walls to modern day warriors seeking justice
on concrete planes. This piece has imagination and soundtrack written all
over it.
The
balance of the album includes the progressive "Edge Of Distinction", 7-minute
dreamscape "I've Already Left", percussion-driven anthem "Six Six Six",
synth-empowered "Pill", the mesmorizing ballad "What The What" and closes
with the powerful metal-inspired, program-forged "Unfortunate".
All
music is written by Brian Hogue and James Miles who both produced and engineered
this cd. Simon Paul's digital artwork within the liner notes is a perfect
fit for the c0ndu1t sound.
This
cd is highly recommended. Their live shows can only be as good as this
outstanding production. Watch for c0ndu1t's music as part of the highly
successful Resident Evil franchise.
www.c0ndu1t.com
www.myspace.com/c0ndu1t
Chris
White |
