THE CRUXSHADOWS - Wishfire
Dancing Ferret Discs 2002
www.cruxshadows.com (official site)
Wishfire (ENHANCED) is the 5th full length album released by THE
CRUXSHADOWS and their 8th release overall. It is comprised of 14 new audio tracks and one bonus mpeg
video of "Eurydice" from their previous album "Echoes and Artifacts".
The mpeg live performance of "Eurydice" is a generous offering to fans but it hurts
them more than it helps them by exhibiting an audience that is both sparse
and unengaged. Perhaps recording the video at a smaller club
with the right ambience rather than at a daylight infused outdoors
festival would have been more indicative of a true CRUXSHADOWS
performance.
The music on the other hand is vintage THE CRUXSHADOWS; a blend of new
wave, goth, and electronica. Lead Singer/Songwriter Rogue's voice comes
across as inspired by the influential drones of Gary Numan with a hint of Peter
Murphy.
Wishfire displays the fruits of a nearly decade long pursuit of
recording and performance by THE CRUXSHADOWS. It shares a little bit of
everything you can come to expect from a Cruxshadows CD.
"Spectators" is an engaging Trip Hop track that is very reminiscent
lyrically of "Told you So" by Depeche Mode that is sure to be a hit.
"Carnival" is a performed in a Carnie sonic atmosphere, blanketed by
lyrics performed in a Les Miserables method of delivery. "Binary, "Tears"
and particularly "Resist/R" are excellent dance/club songs.
Ultimately, Wishfire is a wise investment for those who have heard of The Cruxshadows but have never been brave enough to sample one of their CDs.
