Band: Tachion-X
Album title: 5120
Release date: 29 November 2024
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Electro, Industrial, Synthwave
01. U.L.L.A-X
02. Monchrome
03. The Opposer
04. Paranoia
05. Last Odyssey
06. Tonight Is The Night - Serial Killer
07. Rosemary’s Lullaby
08. Corroding State
09. Space Tourist
10. 51,201
I don't usually write reviews of instrumental electronic music, but Polish trio Tachion-X has something special that can't be overlooked - or rather - overheard. Although Tachion-X is a new name on the dark electro/industrial scene, its three members are experienced musicians who have played in bands such as Desdemona and Red Storm, among others. With Tachion-X, they have embarked on a new compositional journey, exploring different musical territories while maintaining the darkness characteristic of their previous projects.
The debut album, 5120, contains ten vibrant and dynamic tracks that offer a unique sonic experience for fans of synthwave, dark electro and industrial genres. The musical range is limitless - offering a cinematic quality - enriched with unusual elements that transport the listener to a dystopian cyberpunk world. In addition to electronic sounds, the album includes distorted and acoustic guitars, violins and trumpets. The frequently used edited voice samples come mainly from various films, which served as one of the inspirations for the creation of this album. With cosmic and futuristic vibes and a touch of retro and urban aesthetics, the multi-layered sounds often seem downright progressive.
The album's structure invites listeners to experience it in its entirety. While it contains danceable beats, this is not your typical club electro; there is a deeper complexity at play. Tachion-X demonstrates a mastery of crafting seductive melodies with tracks like "The Opposer" and "51,201," as well as dramatic pieces like "Rosemary's Lullaby" and "Space Tourist". Kraftwerk fans will find much to appreciate in the repetitive rhythms, while the Depeche Mode influence is also evident, especially on "Monochrome". There's even something for Ulver fans in tracks like "Tonight Is The Night - Serial Killer" and "Corroding State".
Songs like "Paranoia" and "Rosemary's Lullaby" are exceptional cinematic industrial compositions that could serve as a soundtrack for a psychological sci-fi film, while the melancholic but too short "Last Odyssey" takes listeners on a journey deep into space.
Tachion-X has created an intriguing and original album that, despite its influences and comparisons to other artists, stands on its own. The creative process is unconventional; there are no vocals, and the roles of the musicians are not rigidly defined. The music is emotionally rich but diverse enough for different occasions. The album 5120 offers a fresh insight into the electro-music scene and is currently one of the most interesting contributions in this genre.
Review by Tomaz
Rating: 8,5/10