Genre/Influences: Cold-Wave, Dark-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette, USB.

Background/Info: German label Cold transmission Music welcomes a collaborative project between Pete Burns aka Kill Shelter (Scotland) and Veronica Campbell aka Death Loves Veronica (USA).The work is meant as ‘a commentary on the artistic process and the commoditisation of personality in music.’

Content: The work features 4 songs and 4 alternate edits/remixes plus a hidden cut. Two songs were originally written by Veronica Campbell while 2 others have been written together. The songs sound pretty Electronic and driven by aggressive sequences while featuring an EBM touch on top. There’s some guitar play as well but it’s not predominant. Veronica Campbell sings in her familiar, sensual, spooky, way. The “Extended Mix” and “Kill Shelter” edits/remixes don’t bring that much diversity. The bonus cut sounds more into Experimental/Industrial music.

+ + + : I was surprised to see both artists working together but the biggest surprise is the explicit electronic approach of the band -which sounds far away from Kill Shelter. Pete Burns clearly transformed himself into a genius Electronic composer and especially the opening cut “Sex Tape” is a great, raw, bouncing piece of music featuring fuzzy guitar on top. This is the perfect match between Cold- and Dark-Wave with extra EBM on top. “The Sinner” is another great piece of music which is carried by a solid chorus. Both other cuts are darker and definitely much more than B-side cuts.

– – – : The bonus cut “La Petite Mort” is a sexy and explicit title but unfortunately not that inspired. But my single regret is that there are no more songs featured.

Conclusion: This is a surprising but impressive collaboration which I can only hope both artists will renew.

Best songs: “Sex Tape – Extended Mix”, “Sex Tape”, “The Sinner – Kill Shelter Extended Remix”, “The Sinner – Kill Shelter Remix”.

Rate: 8½.

Artists: www.facebook.com/killshelterofficial / www.facebook.com/deathlovesveronica

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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.

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