Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: ITCN is a Spanish formation which is already active for more than ten years. Their newest opus “Survivor” is already the fifth full length.

Content: “Survivor” stands for retro-EBM which will possibly appeal for 90s lovers. The songs are carried by solid bass lines and accomplished with great synth leads. The songs have been sung in English although there’s one cut -which is a Rammstein-cover, sung in German.

+ + + : ITCN took me by surprise revealing a ‘classical’ but well-crafted EBM work. I like the retro element which has been accomplished with great, overwhelming, string parts. “1972 Talion” and “1760 Industrial Revolution” both are great exposures of this old-school EBM style. The album features many cool songs.

– – – : I’m sure if this band would get the opportunity to record and mix their work in a more professional studio followed by a great mastering we would listen to another album….

Conclusion: “Survivor” is a cool EBM work with a nostalgic taste.

Best songs: “1972 Talion”, “1760 Industrial Revolution”, “1305BC Shadows”, “1984 Control”, “1GAD Deutschland”, “1980 80’s Are Dead”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.itcnmusic.es / www.facebook.com/ITCN.MUSIC

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: After The Rain is a Spanish electro-pop trio hailing from Madrid. I discovered the band by the album “Kings without A Crown” originally released in their homeland on Amuza. They now have joined hands with Russian label Scentair Records releasing this opus, which features the already familiar album (here released on the second disc), and the album “The Other Side Of The Crown”, and which also includes the 3 digital EP’s released by the band plus some new remixes and rarities.

Content: If you don’t know After The Rain, you maybe better can start listening the 2^nd disc. You’ll discover electro-pop music, which sounds pretty ‘classical’, driven by catchy electronics, fine tunes, cool effects, refreshing bleeps and empowering guitar. The vocals have been sung in English. The work clearly sounds inspired by bands like Depeche Mode and Erause while there also is a little wink to the legendary “Da Da Da”-hit from Trio.

The 2^nd disc takes off with a cool cover version of David Bowie’s “Heroes”. Among the other ‘new’ cuts I especially noticed a great and somewhat technoid and into breakbeats cut entitled “Nancy In Hell”. I have to admit I never heard the content of the EP’s which were self-released by the band. It brings an interesting diversity to the work, sometimes more club-orientated. Remixes were made by artists like Cyborgdrive, Insight, Conmutadores, Nature Of Wires.

+ + + : If you’re not that familiar with After The Rain, this album will definitely appeal to all electro-pop lovers. This band reveals a great maturity and this little genius to compose alluring electro-pop music. Even if they’re inspired and driven by some old pioneers, the work also features a personal touch. From calmer and evasive cuts to more danceable clubs, this work has a lot to offer. After The Rain has a nose to write great melody lines and carrying choruses.

– – – : It maybe is a pity why so many bands always go back to pioneers like Depeche Mode, Erasure and co. I’m sure this band has enough potential to create their own electro-pop DNA!

Conclusion: After The Rain is definitely a band deserving a wider recognition in the electro-pop universe. I’m really looking forward to hear new stuff.

Best songs: “Future Will Be fine – ITCN Mix”, “Cosmic Mission – Electric Bass Single Version”, “Insane feat. Indight”, “Invincible (You Are The One)”, “Lost Without You – Nature Of Wires Remix” + “Invincible”, “Future Will Be Fine”, “Wir Sind After The Rain – Cyborgdrive Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/aftertherainsynthband

Label: www.scent–air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com