They/Live – Ablation (Album – Other Voices Records)
Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, New-Wave, Indie-Pop.
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette.
Background/Info: They/Live is an American project driven by Whitney Mower. The name of the project is taken from the movie “They Live” by John Carpenter. The movie was released during the 80s and this decade also is the main source of inspiration of this project. The album has been accomplished by a real band, Whitney Mower being the front woman. “Ablation” has been released in the US on vinyl (on Born Losers Records) and in Russia on CD and cassette.
Content: “Ablation” sounds like awakening from a voyage with a travel machine and getting back in the midst of the 80s. The front cover of the album looks glam and kitsch, which in a way also stands for the sound of this album. Whitney Mower reminds me a bit of Cindy Lauper while the sound is a mix of Electro-Wave and pure 80s Pop. Some tracks are however a bit more Minimal-driven while you’ll also hear a kind of ballad. Both last tracks are acoustic versions.
+ + + : This album has something of a challenge, but I perfectly imagine this kind of music being played at retro-minded parties and other funny kitsch happenings. They/Live sounds for the funny side of the 80s. I especially like the somewhat Minimal-Pop songs “The Path” and “Story Of Isaac”. Another attention grabber is “Foreigner” for its sexy chorus. Last, but not least Whitney Mower is a talented vocalist.
– – – : This work sounds fun for a while, but rapidly becomes outdated.
Conclusion: Retro-Pop with some kitsch on top!
Best songs: “Story Of Isaac”, “The Path”.
Rate: (6).
Artist: www.facebook.com/wemower
Label: www.othervoicesrecords.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Other-Voices-Records/196767663702999
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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.
