XCIII – Transiense (CD Mini-Album – Anesthetize Productions)

Genre/Influences: Dark-rock, apocalyptic-rock, industrial, post-punk.
Background/Info: Set up in 2009, French XCIII is hailing from the Southern part of the country. They already released a few productions, including two albums, and are now back on track unleashing six new songs.
Content: XCIII claims to be inspired by different music styles and that’s easily recognizable in their work. The main influence is clearly centered around rock music, but it’s a ‘rock-noir’, which can also become a bit psychedelic. The vocals are alternating female and male vocals while XCIII also use multiple samplings (in French).
+ + + : The band’s main originality is that it’s hard to define their sound, which rapidly appears to be a summary between different genres. I like the psychedelic passages and some of the guitar play/solo’s injecting power. It creates a delicious contract with the female vocals, which have something childish. I also like some of the samplings, but especially the one used on the debut song “Bore! The Earth”.
– – – : This work is missing a truly high light; cool songs, but not potential hit.
Conclusion: “Transiense” is a fusion between multiple genres, which will appeal for fans of alternative- and dark-rock music.
Best songs: ”Sentence 57”, “Bore! The Earth”.
Rate: (7).
Artist: www.XCIII.fr / www.facebook.com/xciiispleen
Label: www.facebook.com/AssociationAnesthetize
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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.
