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REVIEWS
I’m Just A Mess
Come For You
Cables and Wires
Suffering You
And You Are All Alone Again
The End Of It All
Afterglow
Feel It Through
The Defect People
The Error
You Run
Whisper Cure
Therapy
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16 Volt
FullBlackHabit
Metropolis Records
Posted: Friday, June 15, 2007
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor
Coldwave heroes return with an album more diverse than anything they've yet released, balancing heavy guitars with seething electronic textures, making their mark for a new generation of rivetheads and industrial rockers.
When one looks at the history of any band, one is sure to find as much, if not more, turmoil and despair than good fortunes. It seems like every successful band or artist has a slew of tales, both tantalizing and tumultuous, about the road to success, and 16volt is no exception. Since 1991, Eric Powell has seen more than his share of the ugly side of the underground music scene, with his occasional and ill-fated brushes with the mainstream sending the coldwave heroes into a nearly abysmal state of inactivity, culminating in the band's last proper album in 1998. While SuperCoolNothing would be re-released in 2002, leading to the band's opening slot on KMFDM's Sturm & Drang tour, Powell would soon see the dissolution of his band from the pressures of the music industry. Now, after five years of silence, 16volt are back with FullBlackHabit, their first album of new material in nine years, and packing as much punch as anything they've yet released with a few surprises for good measure.
From the stuttering power chords and percolating electronics of "I'm Just a Mess" opening FullBlackHabit, the powerful and anthemic chorus reminds listeners pretty quickly that this is pure 16volt, leading into the guitar-heavy attacks of "Come for You" and "Cables & Wires." Add to that the new version of "Suffering You," which was previously available only as a demo on the SuperCoolNothing re-release, and the beginning of this album hits you hard in the gut with a searing array of electrified industrial rock. But then, the album takes a dramatic swerve on the musical turnpike in the form of "And You Are All Alone Again" as we are treated to an upbeat yet atmospheric track full of squelching synths and dreamy vocal layers. The next few tracks follow suit, from the catchy melodies and electro lounge ambience of "The End of It All" to the laidback trip-hop style of "Afterglow." "Feel It Through" transitions us ever-so-subtly back into the raging guitars, leading into the brutal sonic assault that is "The Defect People" and chugging metallic groove of "The Error." Things calm down a bit with the radio-friendly "You Run," which possesses a slight indie rock feel with its infectious melodies. "Whisper Cure" is almost a shoegazer track as it returns to softer territory with psychedelic waves of vocals and electro beats, while "Therapy" closes us out with a steady beat amidst washes of smarmy synths and subtle guitar chords.
FullBlackHabit is a sure rarity in the 16volt discography as the album seems to run a fine line between the caustic rage we've come to know and love from them and the softer, more introspective side to Eric Powell that up to now has only barely scratched the surface. The songs are aggressive, yet concise enough to leave the listener aching for more. The trademark melodies and choruses are present, as are Powell's signature sense of lyrical venom that puts him on par with Nine Inch Nails. It's certainly one of 16volt's more diverse albums, aided by an equally diverse set of support musicians such as Paul Raven of Snow Black and Ministry, Steve White of PIG and KMFDM, Jason Bazinet of SMP, Scott Robison of Drøne, and Kraig Tyler of Virus23 and Chemlab. Longtime fans of 16volt should certainly be pleased, for FullBlackHabit has all of the elements essential to the 16volt sound, signaling the return of one of industrial rock's finest acts for a new generation.
From the stuttering power chords and percolating electronics of "I'm Just a Mess" opening FullBlackHabit, the powerful and anthemic chorus reminds listeners pretty quickly that this is pure 16volt, leading into the guitar-heavy attacks of "Come for You" and "Cables & Wires." Add to that the new version of "Suffering You," which was previously available only as a demo on the SuperCoolNothing re-release, and the beginning of this album hits you hard in the gut with a searing array of electrified industrial rock. But then, the album takes a dramatic swerve on the musical turnpike in the form of "And You Are All Alone Again" as we are treated to an upbeat yet atmospheric track full of squelching synths and dreamy vocal layers. The next few tracks follow suit, from the catchy melodies and electro lounge ambience of "The End of It All" to the laidback trip-hop style of "Afterglow." "Feel It Through" transitions us ever-so-subtly back into the raging guitars, leading into the brutal sonic assault that is "The Defect People" and chugging metallic groove of "The Error." Things calm down a bit with the radio-friendly "You Run," which possesses a slight indie rock feel with its infectious melodies. "Whisper Cure" is almost a shoegazer track as it returns to softer territory with psychedelic waves of vocals and electro beats, while "Therapy" closes us out with a steady beat amidst washes of smarmy synths and subtle guitar chords.
FullBlackHabit is a sure rarity in the 16volt discography as the album seems to run a fine line between the caustic rage we've come to know and love from them and the softer, more introspective side to Eric Powell that up to now has only barely scratched the surface. The songs are aggressive, yet concise enough to leave the listener aching for more. The trademark melodies and choruses are present, as are Powell's signature sense of lyrical venom that puts him on par with Nine Inch Nails. It's certainly one of 16volt's more diverse albums, aided by an equally diverse set of support musicians such as Paul Raven of Snow Black and Ministry, Steve White of PIG and KMFDM, Jason Bazinet of SMP, Scott Robison of Drøne, and Kraig Tyler of Virus23 and Chemlab. Longtime fans of 16volt should certainly be pleased, for FullBlackHabit has all of the elements essential to the 16volt sound, signaling the return of one of industrial rock's finest acts for a new generation.
