REVIEWS

Ayria
Debris

Don't let Jennifer's sweet demeanour fool you; this music's got claws.

This debut from Ayria unites the talents of Jennifer Parkin (ex-Epsilon Minus) and Glis frontman Shaun Frandsen. If you're into either of the above-mentioned bands then this should do you just right, too.

What makes this album such a success is the quality of the songwriting, which is second to none throughout, displaying a knack of mixing commerical synthpop with harder EBM elements. It combines sometimes bittersweet lyrics with more spritely melodics along with an eye for the unexpected that many more established acts should be envious of. All of this means that the music never falls into the trap of commercial mediocrity and stands the test of repeat listenings. In fact, speaking from a personal viewpoint, the more I listen to it the more I like it as the hard work which must have gone into each number pays dividends time and time again.

You could name any number of acts as influences or pointers, but with winning tracks such as the stompy opening blast that is "Dos," the playful techno of "Red Shift," and the club smashes-to-be "Horrible Dream" and the trancey "Substance," it hardly matters. Haujobb's Daniel Myer lends his talents to "Mercury," which impresses through a potent blend of moody tones and big beats, while DJ Ram and Delobbo help out on "Had Something" and "Sapphire" respectively.

While Parkin's vocals lack the deeper timbre of certain other vocalists, her sometimes girly delivery proves rather versatile. She effortlessly brings out the full emotion of the more heartfelt tracks "The Radio" and the beautifully-titled closer "Kiss Me Goodnight as I'm Falling Asleep," although, as her defiant no-nonsense delivery on the title track shows, she's not to be messed with. Oh, she may look like butter wouldn't melt, but beware! This pussycat bites!