seven

"Empty Words" slinks from the corner, riding fat rolling bass textures, moody cinematic synths, and quirky, elastic electronic tentacles slithering and snapping like playful-though poisonous-snakes. The Dark Ages is an exquisite melding of Mick Harris' rhythmic ideology, without his stuttering drums (well, most of the time...). Whatever it is, Andrea Parker has got it by the reins, and she's taking us along...

Track two, "The Swamp," is even better! Take an undulating, honey coated bass that swells and quivers, and an awesome collection of skid and screech electronics, then proceed to meld with percussion that stabilizes the gooey sounds. The sticky result perfectly emulates the song's title, though with an undercurrent of menace to keep one on the edge of one's sanity! Every track drips with moist, bass-driven tenacity, percussive insistence, and a garbage can overflowing with electronic debris and the residue of cinematic nuances.

The bass on "Invasion" sounds as though it has stubbed its toe (a jolt that throbs with bone rippling pain), while tinny electronics echo in the background, and the hyper tic of the main percussion line pushes forth, undeterred. Cinematic synth washes punctuate, while a stray, slippery synth heightens the mood of unease as it hovers in the background. Five tracks in all, not nearly enough! The Dark Ages is infectious, mesmerizing music! Highly recommended!