The Birthday Massacre – Pathways (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Metropolis Records)
Side-Line stands with Ukraine - Show your SupportThe Canadian band The Birthday Massacre has been active for more than a year now. Fans had to wait three years for this latest release, which was preceded by two singles—both of which are included on the album.
Pathways consists of only eight tracks, featuring familiar singles. From the very beginning, the musical direction of the album becomes clear: industrial guitar riffs are softened in the choruses by melodious, compelling, and dark melodies. Floating above the music is the charismatic, angelic, and somewhat fragile voice of Chibi. Once again, it’s clear—without their singer, The Birthday Massacre would be an entirely different band and vice versa. Music and vocals form a unity of contrasts here, shaping both the style and character of the album and the band. There’s a fusion of raw, powerful guitar work on one hand, and dreamy, almost pop-like synth melodies on the other, with Chibi’s vocals acting as the perfect glue binding it all together. The choruses, at times, have an uplifting, almost euphoric quality, creating several standout moments.
On “Pathways”, nearly everything sounds refined and purposeful. It’s a pity that the album contains only eight songs—but they are undeniably great songs. The Birthday Massacre continues to surprise, delivering a sound they have mastered like no one else. (Rating:9).
Listen to “Sleep Tonight”:
https://thebirthdaymassacre.bandcamp.com/track/sleep-tonight
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.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
