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Band: The Saint Paul
Album title: Consequence
Release date: 19 April 2013
Label: Danse Macabre Records
Tracklisting:
01. Inside Outside
02. Consequence
03. Goodbye
04. Two Faces
05. Cowardice
06. E:Dot
07. Rise And Fall
08. Last Black Rose
09. Came To Loose
10. Lonely Despair
11. Eternity
There are not so many electro/EBM releases that got my atention lately, but this one did. The Saint Paul are German duo who since now released only one EP in 2011 and now this debut full lenght, which is quite exceptional on the dark-electro scene. Beside those typical danceable song structures, the two are able to make some astonishing atmospheric music, yet with a lot of not that typical additions to somehow predictable genre. Even the vampiristic album artwork is not the thing that you would except on electro album, but rather on some gothic one. Still to say the truth, the songs on Consequence have kind of gothy edge.
Already with the opener "Inside Outside" and its rather psychedelic industrial scent the band can get you hooked into this musical spectrum. Ok, I'll be more than satisfied if they would continue this way, but no, as soon as this one ends the band kicks off with with some danceable, upbeat rhytms, yet with a lot of interesting popy melodies and future-pop elements, that are well combined with kind of cyber synthpop and EBM sound. There are a lot of industrial beats inserted very wisely. Great vocal job, catchy and where it's needed emotional. The songs have kind of drive that is quite adictive.
There are some stand out songs that in my opinion are something among the best I've heard in dark-electro so far. I've already mentioned the opener, then there is "Cowardice" with its amazing refrain, vocal job is perfect, great futuristic synths, slow paced rhytm with great melodies and of course the addition of viola that deepens the atmosphere. "Rise And Fall" is another masterpiece. This one is more industrial oriented with great beats and maybe the best vocals up here, synths are breathtaking here, really strong track, almost epic. I can't forget to mention melancholic, very emotional ballad "Last Black Rose" and great sounds of viola played by guest Florentin Chiran. The last outstanding track is the closing one "Eternity", where all the elements of The Saint Paul's sound are present in magnificent form, just listen how unworldly those synths are.
Those were good things, but unfortunatelly there are tracks like "E:Dot", "Two Faces" and "Lonely Despair" that just recycle the same electro/EBM/synthpop formula over and over again, and ain't giving any sonic challenge, though, even there you can find some nice electro-pop elements and interesting structures. Production is great, mixing as well, mostly good lyrics with strong messages. Danse Macabre Records did a good move with signing The Saint Paul and releasing this album. I'm sure that in the future this duo will become one of the finest representatives of the genre and all those who want something refreshing should consider of purchasing this album. Fans of Depeche Mode, Skinny Puppy, VNV Nation, Clan Of Xymox, Front 242 and similar acts should be fascinated with Consequence.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 8/10
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