Newer Wave

Carson gave this album on2008-11-24.

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Newer Wave, a collection of 80's covers by Industrial and Industrial Metal bands, is both familiar yet somehow different.

Overall, this is a fairly heavy sounding album, but there are a few exceptions. Most of the tracks are fairly close renditions that have been reinterpreted in a more modern style, but, again, there are a couple of exceptions. It is hard to define an overall feel to Newer Wave because each track is performed by a different artist and also the songs were originally written by different musicians; the overall concept however can be understood heavier sounding versions music from an influential and highly experimental era.

"Turning Japanese" is barely recognizable in the 16volt version. The simplistic music sounds much different, however, the lyrics - which can be hard to make out at times - have not changed. I had expected more from Assemblage 23 with "I Ran"; while the music is a quite well performed rendition of the original, the vocals are difficult to hear. Also, the song becomes a little repetitive after awhile which is due, at least in part, to the fact that the original is also repetitive. The focus on rhythm and the addition of a vocal filter that goes well with the music improve the track's ratings significantly. The version of "Red Skies" that Beauty reworked captures the feel of a nuclear attack well. Starting off with an air raid siren, it quickly moves into a description of the appearance of a blast. Some sections of the song begin to feel repetitive, but, overall the track - with its Speed Metal sounding drums and almost Death Metal sounding vocals - keep the listener's interest.

"Cars", as performed by Luxt, sticks very closely to the original and, other than having a slightly heavier sound, is faithful to the version by Gary Numan. The rhythm on Out Out's rendition of "Candy-O" is captivating, however, the vocals are difficult to hear over the music. "Never Say Never" as performed by Kevorkian Death Cycle is very fast-paced and the music is captivation with a sound that should please many fans of Ministry or KMFDM. However, the distortion on the vocals seems a little too heavy.

Battery's "The Chauffeur" features melodic lyrics, a complimentary mix of instruments, and the vocal effects fit well with the music. The only downfall of this track is that around three-quarters of the way through it starts to feel like it has gone on long enough. The vocals of "Destination Unknown" from Scar Tissue fit the lyrics well and lend an eerie feel to the song; like several other tracks though, the track becomes repetitive. Hate Department's "Master and Servant" is true to the Depeche Mode version which, like much of 101, sounds like early industrial anyway. Several differences exist however between the original and this new interpretation; the music is heavier sounding, the instruments sound a bit different, and the vocals are less lyrical in the remake.

Black Metal Box's version of "I Want Candy" is much heavier than the original and a couple of lyrics have been altered, but for the most part fans of the original who like Industrial Metal should like this interpretation. The reworking of "You Spin Me Round" by Templebeat features guitar and drum that create a rhythm reminiscent in feel to Du Hast by Rammstein. The vocals are well-performed and, overall, this catchy tune is well executed and would have received a higher rating if it were not for an annoying instrument being present during the chorus. Somehow Collide managed to make Devo's "Whip It" sound dirtier and, more amazingly, less repetitive.

Mixed messages are sent in Unit: 187's "Relax" as the command "relax" is shouted throughout the track. The music is an interesting take on a classic, but the screaming doesn't really fit also, the song feels like it lasts about twice as long as it should. The music is captivating and the dual vocalists of "Sex Dwarf" from Sabotage Q.C.Q.C.? work well, but, like several other tracks on Newer Wave, it feels repetitive after awhile. "Whisper to a Scream" as arranged by Acumen, features extremely well performed vocals an interesting music, but I am not convinced that the two work well together.

Die-hard fans of the original tracks may not appreciate the arrangements on this album, but for those that like Industrial and are not offending by classics from the 80's being reinterpreted, this album is a compelling listen.

Track	Name		Carson	Katherine		Track	Name		Carson	Katherine
1	Turning Japanese					9	Master and Servant
2	I Ran					10	I Want Candy
3	Red Skies					11	You Spin Me Round
4	Cars					12	Whip It
5	Candy-O					13	Relax
6	Never Say Never					14	Sex Dwarf
7	The Chauffeur					15	Whisper to a Scream
8	Destination Unknown