BIOCARBON13

BioCarbon13 upload the brain universe of the hybrid corpse mechanism gene-dub of a chemical anthropoid to the abolition world-codemaniacs of the terror fear cytoplasm that was send back out the technojunkies' era respiration-byte." - Kenji Siratori, author of Blood Electric - Kenji Siratori

A Melancholy Morsel

BioCarbon13 have put together an engaging assembly of tracks with their latest effort, Cheese Ball.

Many of the forgers of sound in the industrial/gothic/ebm/darkwave genres create dark, melancholy, brooding music, and BioCarbon13 are no exception. But these guys have a fascinating way of doing so that both incorporates elements of their apparent influences, pays homage, and yet still forms an original sound that is all their own.

At times, whilst listening to this CD, I was alternately reminded of many great artists of the past: Robert Smith, Love & Rockets, Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, classic Delerium, Frontline Assembly, Front 242.

In "Not Enough", iG's vocals are like a hybrid between Bauhaus' Peter Murphy and Type O Negative's Peter Steele, taking on the tonality of Murphy, and the vampiric qualities of Steele.

If I have one complaint about this album though, it is that some of the tracks feel like the vocals were not mixed down well. They come in a little too strong, and overpower the rest of the music a bit too much at times. One of the most prominent examples of this was at the first introduction of Igor's vocals in the title track, "Cheese Ball". The vocals come in just a bit too strong, and lend the feeling that they are hovering above the rest of the music, rather than blending ito it. This certainly doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the CD, however.

As is common for their genre, most of the tracks on this album rely on faster basslines, programming, and guitar samples, with synths that lend a haunted, ethereal overlay to the music. While that can be quite enjoyable, and provides the album just enough punch to be danceable, there was one track on Cheese Ball that deserved special commendation. "Variations In Still Life" is a daring foray into a somewhat different style. This scaled-back track is beautiful and melodic, while still retaining the dark theme that defines BioCarbon13. With pained vocals that sound warped and wavered - as if Igor is singing from some deep cold watery depths in which he has drowned - and what is probably the most melancholy track on the album, this song is also strangely, compellingly beautiful at the same time.

Truth be told, I didn't take to this CD very well the first time I listened to it. But to do a proper review, I felt I had to understand the music a bit more. After 2 full listens, I started to get it. I've probably listened to it 4 or 5 times now, and find myself absorbed into their sound more with each listen. Like a papercut that takes a few minutes to start stinging, BioCarbon13's Cheese Ball required some time to fully engage me, but I now find myself drawn into their musical soundscapes with interested fascination. - EDMspectrum.com

BioCarbon13 is the conception of Igor`s inborn need to reflect on his life and the consequences of existence. His peculiar style of music and eccentric voice, makes BioCarbon13 an unconventional art piece, composed of a dark and brooding Goth temperament, an Electronic blood flow and various other influences. The mood is dim and measured - a midnight lullaby with a twist. - Underground Press