disjointed
pain station is creation of scott sturgis from ohio. it is always pleasant for me to see new and innovative acts appearing in the states. the music of pain station has multiple layers, but it is not too complex to a point where separate music elements start interfering with each other. i especially enjoyed the mix of trip-hop, jungle and breakbeat elements together with occasional guitar work and the vocals that is distorted enough that listener is still able to understand the lyrics.
the driving element of scott's music is percussion - it really stands out on every track. each song on the album could be a dance hit filled with harsh breakbeats and clear melodies. noisy distorted beats blend together with occasional guitars and techno elements. aggression and twisted beauty is the main feeling that goes through the whole album.
the songs that come to mind right away are "anxiety" (very powerful breakbeats. simply crushing), "flatline" (beautiful slow track with great chorus), "control" (tom muschnitz from alien faktor actualy _sings_ on this track. quite interesting), "grovel" (rather disturbing and twisted melody that grows on you and won't let go. real "twisted beauty"), "monster" (interesting metallic beats, small processed guitar patches. horrible beginning that sounds like a hip-hop track that builds up and becomes quite enjoyable. some of the tracks on the album have the same quality), "t.o.s" (beat-driven noisy track that could be easily placed on any ant-zen compilation, quite danceable nevertheless).
this is very interesting and unique album that you definitely do not want to miss.