Inertia – Universal Blood (CD – Metropolis Records)

I’ve was really impressed by the EP “Alive” preceding the new full length of Inertia. The English combo set up and driven by Reza Udhin became a kind of veteran on the electro scene. I was really wondering how their “Universal blood” would sound.

Inertia still mixes guitar parts and electronics, which became a kind of trademark since the early years. One of the main evolutions for sure is the exciting and efficient vocals of Reza. I remember several Inertia-albums on which Reza’s wife Alexys was the uncontestable leading singer. “Universal Blood” is the entire contrary and Udhin’s voice has been never that captivating and emotional.

Musically, “Alive” remains the absolute master hit of this CD. It means that it was a judicious choice to release this song as an EP, but on the other hand it also means there’s no better song on “Universal Blood”. I got the impression that Inertia tried to walk on other paths, getting a bit more into indie-pop fields, but without fulfilling their goal. The electronic parts and technoid effects are cool and the guitar parts remain an essential and empowering part of their work. The main point is that there’s no real climax –except “Alive” on this CD.

A few songs are cool although not absolutely essential. I like the moody opening piece “Call for Truth” featuring great electronics. Production wise the quieter “Idle Life” is a meaningful atmospheric piece featuring backing vocals by Alexys. Two more noticeable songs are “Lies” and “Touch”. “Lies” is built up around a carrying chorus and again with a nice twist between electronics and guitar parts.

But “Universal Blood” is also revealing some weaker songs. I’m referring to quieter pieces like “A Winters Tango”, “Blind” and “Memory Blue”. Inertia can’t convince with their moody side and remains at their best when injecting extra power and adrenaline in their songs.

“Universal Blood” is showing this band under a different perspective. According to me, it’s one of the most deceiving albums of the band to date, but featuring one of their best songs ever. “Alive” is an absolute masterpiece, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer!

(DP:6)DP.

Band: www.inertia.gs / www.myspace.com/inertia001 / www.facebook.com/inertiaband

Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.myspace.com/metropolisrecords / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords

Get your industrial music CDs at the following eBay sites:
	eBay USA	eBay België/Belgique
	eBay UK	eBay France
	eBay DE	eBay Nederland