A few years ago, there was a Christian industrial band named Argyle Park. They sold a modest number of CDs on the now-infamous R.E.X Music, then, after being let down by the label, disbanded. There weren't many people who ever expected them to release another album, but they have, with a new name, AP2, and a new label, Tooth & Nail Records.
Suspension of Disbelief begins quietly, with a single piano note repeated several times. The ironically titled opener "The End" then explodes, with a tortured vocal screaming "I am the damaged!" until you're silently begging him to stop. The song then quietly backs down, becoming a slow moving electronica piece that's quite pleasant to listen to.
The eleven songs that follow it feature not only the two members of AP2, Level and Buka, but also guest singers such as Mark Salomon (Stavesacre, The Crucified), Klayton (Circle of Dust, Celldweller), Joel Bell (Ghoti Hook), and Daren Diolosi (Klank). These vocalists do a superb job with their songs, with the exception of Diolosi, whose number "Silhouette of Hate" is grating and obnoxious. The standout track, vocally, is "My Sympathies," whose verses find Salomon pouring his guts out onto tape:
Before I plead my case
Before we start again
Do you know your place?
Do you understand who started this?...
You mean nothing!
Your words mean nothing!
Salomon's intensity is then sharply contrasted by Klayton apathetically singing "It's got nothing to do with me." This contrast between the vehement and the indifferent is found all over the album, and keeps my interest longer than any industrial album has ever been able to.
My favourite track, though, has no lyrics. On "The Pact," vocalist Sage mumbles Indian chants over a bed of soft industrial music, with an overall effect similar to the opening of "The Prophet" by Sunny Day Real Estate (or any number of Prayer Chain songs). It's the most pop-directed song on the CD, and far catchier than you'd think that a wordless number could be.
AP2 now stands at the brink of redeeming Christian industrial. I hope they're up to the challenge.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #83Reviewed by David BixlerFor a long time now, rumors have been circulating that "The Park" would reopen. Well, finally, after much patience and waiting, the Park has reopened, but with a new direction and edge that is both fresh and exciting. Argyle Park has transformed into AP2, and an exciting transformation it is. The first Argyle Park release drew many comparisons to Circle of Dust, primarily because of Klay Scott's…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestAP2, formerly known as Argyle Park, is here with a new album. Suspension Of Disbelief is mainly a Level and Buka CD with two songs written by Klayton (My Sympathies and Resurrection Of The Ravens). On this CD you can hear metal, hardcore, punkrock and dance, poured over with an industrial sauce. The first track seems to start off rather mellow, though dark at the same time. But then, after more…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by GrindboySorry guys, not even close. This is a noble effort and all, but contrary to the propaganda on their website, this sequel is but a shadow of the original Argyle Park. Not bad at all, but so. . . unremarkable. I've got a whole stash of cd's in my collection that are more or less this exact same sound, and there's nothing here to really make it stand out. It's like they tried to take everything that…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by D_ListerWhat is it about this CD that doesn't click with me? I don't know it's hard to exactly put my finger on. Is it the lack of heart? The lack of excitement? The lack of desire? Well maybe it's parts of all that. Just seems to me like this was a half-hearted attempt to create something out of the ashes of a previous success. "Igor turn the machine on, it's time to make another typical album." hmmm…Similar sounding releases
1998Gathering of SoulsNeither Moth Nor Rust Corrupts
1995Nine Inch NailsFurther Down the Spiral
1999WyrickAggressive State
1999LevelDevil's Advocate
2005YogiHalf-Pint Demigod
2002MortalNu-En-Jin
