Crystal Geometry – State Of Play (Vinyl 12” – Hands)

Genre/Influences: Minimal-electro, techno-EBM.
Background/Info: French producer Maxime Fabre who’s active under the Crystal Geometry-moniker has been already released many noticeable productions. I especially think about his work released on Adam-X’s label Sonic Groove. For this new 12”, he joined hands together with the industrial label Hands.
Content: The influences haven’t changed from previous productions. Maxime Fabre remains driven by solid bass lines, which he mixes with pumping kicks. The tracks remain dark, but always driven by danceable vibes and icy sound treatments. Some passages will possibly lead you into trance.
+ + + : This production sees Hands becoming more techno-orientated than ever before. But the work remains dark enough to appeal for the Hands audience, and also for lovers of minimal-EBM and techno-body-music as well. Crystal Geometry shows great writing skills driven by alluring bass lines and pumping dance kicks. “Deathcare USA” appears to be a title with a clear message, but it also is a great song with a trance sensation. The EP features 4 different cuts and there’s not one single piece to throw away.
– – – : I can imagine some Hands die-hard freaks will have some difficulties to see their favorite industrial label diving a bit more into techno-fields.
Conclusion: Crystal Geometry is progressively becoming a real reference when it comes to minimal electronics and industrial-body-music.
Best songs: “Deathcare USA”, “Totale Aliénation”, “Enslaved”
Rate: (8½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/crystalgeometry
Label: www.handsproductions.com / www.facebook.com/hands.official
About Crystal Geometry
Crystal Geometry is the solo project of French producer Maxime Fabre. Fabre has described his listening moving from Iron Maiden and hard rock into Mayhem and black metal before he found hardcore and speedcore, the route that led him into electronic music. Crystal Geometry has released EPs on Hands, Tripalium Records, RND.Records and Sonic Groove, including the 12” releases “Red Faith Militia” and “The Cyber Heresy” (both Sonic Groove, 2019). The debut full-length, “Senestre”, followed on Sonic Groove in 2020. Crystal Geometry later returned to Sonic Groove for the album “Distressing Visions” (2021). “State Of Play” marked the project’s first release for Hands.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
