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Julien-K
Death to Analog

Metropolis Records

Posted: Monday, June 22, 2009
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor

Having spent a number of years as platinum selling artists in the alternative limelight, Orgy's Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh began working on a new project in 2003 that would further encompass their already trademarked brand of melodic '80s-inspired pop rock. After a series of single releases, Julien-K finally releases its debut album, Death to Analog, chockfull of catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms that will assuredly find a place on today's dance floors while also appealing to the current wave of nostalgia from the golden age of synthpop and new wave. Indeed, the album title alone seems indicative of Julien-K's approach to the style as each song is infused with just enough grit and edginess reminiscent of the musicians' more abrasive work in Orgy, and given the updated sheen of digital technology. And yet, listening to songs with the one-two punch and ringing guitars of "Kick the Bass," the slinky bass lines and kitschy vocoders of "Someday Soon," and the darkly romantic electrified atmospheres of "Forever," one could easily imagine them being at the top of the charts more than 20 years ago alongside such groups as Duran Duran and Depeche Mode. Throughout Death to Analog, Julien-K exhibit a knack for the dance floor, as "Spiral" takes on an almost '70s disco vibe, and the band's faithful cover of Romeo Void's "Nvr Say Nvr" manages to sound as current as anything on today's radio stations as well as staying true to J-K's aesthetics of distorted pop. Later songs like "Dystopian Girl," "Look at U," and "Stranded" all maintain the electro vibe, but taken in even harsher sound textures more akin to Shuck's and Derakh's industrialized rock roots. Of particular note is Shuck's passionate and rather sexy vocal performance throughout as he soars into melodic highs and breathy lows, all of which show him to be an intensely talented vocalist. Aided by fellow band members Brandon Belsky and Elias Andra, and co-produced by the renowned Anthony "Fu" Valcic, Julien-K's debut alum does not disappoint as it achieves a musical and emotional retrospect that may seem cliché with bands like The Birthday Massacre and The Dreaming already doing so, but given the context of the band members' previous outings with the industrial-by-way-of-nü metal leanings of Orgy, is also beyond satisfying. Club DJs will have no problem finding danceable songs to spin on this album, as well as the limited edition featuring the bonus Death to Digital disc of remixes, and those listeners just looking for something catchy to sing along with as well will certainly get their fill wit Death to Analog. With just enough aggression to keep the rock & roll energy fueled up, Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh prove with Julien-K that they have the potential to outshine their other band remarkably.