Genre/Influences: Industrial-EBM, EBM.

Background/Info: Pete Crane and Ben Bulig better known under the Shiv-R moniker are back on track and have unleashed their newest studio album. The album has been released on CD- and digital format on their own label Blind Mice Productions while I noticed there also is a digital format available in Europe via darkTunes Music Group.

Content: The Australian duo became an instant success story and this new opus only confirms the potential of Shiv-R. The sound became more ‘personal’ throughout the years, reaching a harsh mix of EBM and raw, industrial sound treatments. I also noticed a few quieter cuts revealing moody atmospheres. Shiv-R has something unique sometimes accentuated by a punkish flavor on top of the production.

+ + + : What I especially like on this work is the personal approach of Shiv-R. They’ve found their own sound, inspired by familiar influences, but resulting in something different from the ‘traditional’ electro-underground release. Raw bass lines, fat sound treatments, cool effects, space-like sweeps and an industrial touch are the main keywords to define the global sound of this album. It has been carried by hard-pumping kicks and the alluring vocals of Pete Crane. I also noticed a more emotive side running through this work. It’s not my favorite part of the work although “Apples” is a real cool song.

– – – : I already mentioned I’m not totally convinced by some of the ‘softer’ cuts (by the exception of one song). Shiv-R sounds at their best when they’re composing hard-hitting songs!

Conclusion: Shiv-R confirms their leading status as Australian electro/industrial formation. This new album has something more personal in sound, but also is a well-crafted piece of modern and powerful electronics.

Best songs: “Something To Say”, “Escape Velocity”, “Cheshire Grin”, “Disconnect”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.shiv–r.com / www.facebook.com/shiverindustrial

Label: www.blind–mice–productions.com / www.facebook.com/blindmiceproductions