Andreas Gross – Grounds Of Ashes (CD – Echozone)

Andreas Gross is a project I progressively started to like and today I can say it’s my personal favorite on Echozone. I was really excited to hear the new opus, which also is the 8th full length of this band to date.

“Vermillion Pt.2” is a surprising opener. It’s a cover version of Slipknot, which I didn’t really expected to be covered by Andreas Gross, but it also is a surprising goth-like ballad. The ballad style continues on “Shadows” showing the fragile and sweet vocals of Tabitha Anders. She really remains one of the main forces of Andreas Gross. She again sings with grace and sensuality.

Things are getting more interesting from “Lilith” on. This is a sweet and evasive piece driven through a kind of dark trip-pop vibe. It’s a pity they don’t use this element on other tracks. But Andreas Gross has much more to offer. There is the beautiful song, “Akephalos”, which sounds full of reverie and delicacy. The electronic running through this song is absolutely remarkable.

The flag holder of Echozone definitely exorcised many ideas on this album. I didn’t exactly expect bagpipes together with electronics on the moody “Planets In Peril”. “Breathing My Words” sounds darker and melancholic. It’s the kind of song that will possibly appeal for the lovers of Chandeen. The electro structures were reinforced by some guitar riffs accentuating the wave-pop touch of the song. There’s also a great remix of “Lilith”, which sounds pure synth-pop like and filled with fresh sounds and bleeps.
The last part of the album features 4 live songs. This is a way to get back to earlier albums and songs of Andreas Gross. The idea is not bad at all, however I would have preferred a complete live release instead of 4 songs.

Andreas Gross is still surprising me and again I can’t really understand why this project doesn’t get more recognition. To be honest with you, this is not my favorite album of this band although it features a few delightful tracks.

(Elise Din:7/8)ED.

Band: www.nomorejazz.de / www.myspace.com/andreasgross / www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=Andreas+Gross&init=public#!/pages/andreas-gross-darkwavegothicband/375657083437

Label: www.echozone.de / www.myspace.com/echozonelabel / www.facebook.com/EchozoneMusic

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