A review of the compact disc THE SOUL IS IN THE SOFTWARE by ebm/darkwave act ICON OF COIL.
Icon of Coil - The Soul is in the Software
Metropolis Records in the USA, Tatra Records in Europe
http://www.iconofcoil.com (official site)
http://www.industrial-music.com/cart.php?additem=MET+244 (Purchase ICON
OF COIL)
CD review by wa.nocturnalmovements.net
EBM or Electronic Body Music as the genre is known is inundated with
bands clambering and clawing inch by inch for notice by the audience at
large. Norwegian electro-act ICON OF COIL is one of the few that
deserves any attention thrown their way. From humble beginnings in
1997, The Soul is in the Software marks their fifth release from
Metropolis Records and second full length album.
EBM is a difficult genre to be a standout in. Basic precepts are assumed
by the casual EBM fan. Break too many of the precepts and you have
slipped out of the genre, stay with too many of precepts and you quickly
become yet another forgettable clone. Icon of Coil’s skill is not only
in their clear mastery of production but their equally strong
song-writing in a craft that often stresses beats over artistry. Very
catchy and more importantly, meaningful lyrics accompany smooth synth
work and driving beats. The vocals are suggestive of Gary Numan.
The theme of the album is a soul floating aimlessly through the
‘software’, a reality that is cold, confusing, and unsympathetic, and
yet compelling. The protagonist struggles to understand the myriad of
feelings brought to the surface during their journey. Often in their
search more questions than answers are uncovered.
Top tracks of notice for this reviewer included “Everything is Real?”,
“Other Half of Me”, and “Thrillcapsule”.
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I'm Wa. I've been working in the northwest music scene for 10 years.
I've been a member of northwest acts The Stiffs, Wymsikal Triod, I.T.,
and the University of Oregon Marching Band. My current project is the
gothic/electronic act DEAD POETS SOCIETY.
I am also co-owner of the NW entertainment company Carpe Diem
Publishing. We have produced concerts for NW acts such as The
Dragonflies, Brundlefly, Hotboxed, Stir Fry and Rockhead Shiner, among
others. We also published briefly an independent magazine, THIRST from
1995-1997.
I have also completed writing the first volume of a trilogy of novels I
am working on collectively titled the THIRST saga. I also have
experience with independent filmmaking and photography.
My other interests include basketball, comic books, Japanese history and
literature. www.thedeadpoets.org
(Dead Poets Society- official site)
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