A review of the debut CD "In the Trench" by Industrial/Dance act THE STRAND.

by Wa



Awe-inspiring and brilliant, THE STRAND leave listeners dumbstruck by
the aural experience from which they have just been subjected.

'Shake Me', a disturbing and yet compelling track about finding freedom,
opens this 10 track debut album from the Arizona based Industrial Dance
cabal THE STRAND. The Strand is the brainchild of Dave Strand formerly
of DFMA and Ascension/Descention who literally created this high
production masterpiece in his home studio. In the Trench includes two
remixes from THE AZOIC's Steve Laskarides (who also mastered the album)
and Arman Bastani.

Clearly I have not heard such a dramatic debut album for Industrial
Dance since the release of Nine Inch Nails Pretty Hate Machine. Clearly
it is one of the best albums released in the Twenty First Century thus
far. No hype.

Industrial, yes. Angry, yes. Mix in a bit of harsh atonal male vocals
and wonderfully melodic female vocals and THE STRAND has something for
everyone. Highlights include the now legendary “I hate my fucking job”
and “chicks suck (or guys suck)” that are MUST have tracks for a
comprehensive goth/industrial collection.

Just when you think you have Strand and company pinned down, they
surprise with a very moving and ethereal track “bookmark on the shelf”,
a poignant song about remorse, regret, and moving on, that showcases
Kimberly Brown's considerable vocal talents.

I cannot give a high enough recommendation for this album. Top-notch
produced, intelligently crafted, this album is refreshing for the
industrial fans out there who doesn’t want just another guitar or noise
infested clone. Truly original and accompanied by intoxicating live
shows, it is simply incredible that a major label hasn’t snatched this
band up.

National Public Radio fans will delight with the ingenious use of a
Daniel Shore sample appearing in the intro of “I hate my fucking job”.
“IHMFJ” is a mantra for any blue-collar working person in this ‘be more
productive’ stress soaked world we find ourselves, Bastani does an
incredible job matching the intensity of the original if not surpassing
it with his remix of “I hate my fucking job” on track 8.

Steve Laskarides (The Azoic) continues to show his mastery of space and
balance while remixing The Strand’s “deceived”. Pick this album up as
soon as you finishing reading this review. Better yet, stop now, jump on
the internet and head over to strandland.com right this second!

I was left with two questions upon savoring the final moments of In The
Trench. When will more tracks be available and when will they ever tour
in my area of the country? Lets hope the answer to both questions is
answered soon.