REVIEWS

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Kobold
The Taste of Copper

Artoffact Records

Posted: Tuesday, April 03, 2007
By: Damon Wilson

Often, ambiguity abounds when categorizing the music a band makes. Expediency amongst other factors necessitates the need to do so, but not often does a band so clearly sound one way or the other. It is then surprising when a band does come across in such a singular way without being a laudable cliché. On The Taste of Copper, Kobold has captured an authentic late '80, early '90 industrial sound that is exceptionally distinguishable. While that can make categorizing nice and tidy, it is problematic as well. That era was so overshadow by powerhouse groups that, if for no other reason than their sheer popularity, became crossover groups known by those outside or on the fringes of goth/industrial scene. For that reason, favorable and not-so-favorable comparisons will abound. With skill and complete faithfulness, The Taste of Copper album reminds us of a time gone by for this beloved genre we call industrial.

Starting off this journey is "The Other Side (of a Broken Mirror)," which instantaneously envelopes the listener in dark, sparse, and haunting sounds. Part haunting, part puncturing harsh beat, part understated melody, "The Other Side (of a Broken Mirror)" starts off slow and builds to a steady dark groove pierced only by lyrics three quarters of the way into the song. Even then, only the repeated line, "You don't see me, you see right through me" is used to give the song context. With its deep groove under atmospheric layers, it's the kind of song that will not hit the dance floor but will fill many a set of headphones. "Puzzlebox" might finds its way to your local club's play list, but it will be interesting to see what reception it is given. For here is where The Taste of Copper begins to show that even on an up-tempo song like "Puzzlebox," the feel is more industrial than rhythmic 4/4 EBM, more reminiscent of a time when industrial went from being experimental to something that could actually be danced to. Angry and full of condemnation, "Puzzlebox" has an appeal for this reviewer that is undeniable. The layers of "Human Cages" will provide hours of discovery for repeated listening while the raw tangibility of the song's chorus will have immediate impact on anyone who hears it. Deep bass melody lines abound and unobtrusive yet consistent beats give this passionate song an organic bounce and vitality. Reminiscent of Skinny Puppy's "Harsh Stone White," "Murmur" is a sonic social study and commentary that washes over the listener, leaving one feeling slightly disjointed and disconnected.

The Taste of Copper has left its own dark and haunting impression, yet one can't help wonder just how many people will listen to the album enough to get past the resemblance it shares to the industrial super groups it so much brings to mind. For example, one of the album's repeated musical elements, a deep punchy melody line, is so indicative of one particular iconic industrial artist that musical comparisons are inevitable. Vocals and lyrics, down to the meter of the lyrics, are severely reminiscent of another iconic industrial artist, from the same seminal band as the artist mentioned previously, that it begs the question if Mike Heighway can truly find his own unique voice. That being said, the album is a treat for both old and new industrial fans; for that matter, any fan of electronic music. One wonders how differently the first full-length project done solely by the current lineup will sound.