Outpost 11 – Transition (Album – Advoxya Records)
Genre/Influences: EBM.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Outpost 11 is the sonic brainchild of Moscow (Russia) based solo-artist Rodion Skityaev. On his debut album “Resonate” (2018) he added a fresh breeze to the Advoxya roster. This new opus was released during the last days of 2019.
Content: After a remarkable debut opus “Transition” again brings a refreshing touch to the dark-electro minded Advoxya Records. The album even has something versatile although mainly driven by an intelligent- and sophisticated EBM format. Some songs have been polished with a poppy touch while others have been mixed with astral lead and atmospheres. I also noticed songs with harder, industrial sound treatments and the most ‘complex’ structures even reveal elements of IDM. Most of the tracks bring retro-EBM elements to life, which sounds in the vein of the debut album. “Transition” features 12 songs plus 2 remixes by Asdean and Larva.
+ + + : If EBM appears to be this project’s main source of inspiration, the band still reveals its very own approach in the genre. It’s not just EBM, but retro-body-music elements merged with multiple other elements. Some songs are danceable while others have something dreamy-like. Some cuts are a little bit harder and rough sounding while others are accomplished with subtle arrangements. I however prefer the more danceable driven cuts at the last part of the work. “Rotten” and “Split” both are noticeable songs, but I also have to mention “Half-Life” for its global sound intelligence and IDM reference.
– – – : I can imagine some EBM purists will not find total satisfaction listening to Outpost 11. The project has something complex and appears to be a sonic challenge!
Conclusion: “Transition” might be seen as a prophetic title; the sound still has something retro-EBM like, but facing the future and some modernism!
Best songs: “Half-Life”, “Rotten”, “Split”, “Dopamine”, “Ready? Set! War!!!”, “Action”, “In The Woods”.
Rate: (8½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/outpost11band
Label: www.advoxya–records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya–Records/265765706059
About Outpost 11
Outpost 11 is the solo project of Moscow-based musician Rodion Skityaev, citing Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Skinny Puppy and Front Line Assembly among his influences. He released the debut album “Resonate” on Advoxya Records in 2018, followed by “Transition” in 2019. Outpost 11 went on to release “Structural Defects” on Advoxya Records in 2021.
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