Paradoxx is the latest export from that lovely island we call Australia. The band blends elements of Euro-pop, Goth and industrial music styles. The majority of the songs are perfectly-produced dance music, with a few guitars thrown in for good measure, that most rave clubs would be proud to play. The second track, "Catwalk," is a perfect example of this style. Typical of the rest of the album, the programming sequences are stellar, and vocals by band members Lissa and Phoenix are divine. Unlike much of the dance scene, Paradoxx's lyrics aren't just bubble gum fluff. These lyrics have depth--"Catwalk," for instance, is about the vanity of living for beauty.
The lyrical highlight of this CD is "Teknologi," a song about how we used our God-given knowledge to destroy the earth; it includes a very punk rock attitude. "Do the corporations care when the forests have died? / You say it's justified / we're building Babel again." Paradoxx should be applauded for speaking up against the wrongs in our world, for being the voice crying out in the wilderness and not being afraid to say it to the masses. Musically, "Wait" is the finest song on this album. It's a song about someone who has died apart from the Lord, and the song laments this tragedy. The atmosphere of this track is very gothic; there are periods where the band unleashes guitar assaults, with periods where the music is toned down so the narrator's haunting lyrics can be elevated to the foreground.
Another highlight of Atomika is "Vampyr," which opens with a beautiful organ sample that will awaken the "Vampyr" in the listener. This song incorporates gothic, rave and rock genres, and they meld together perfectly. This track compares Satan to a vampire and discusses the various tricks he uses to try to bring us down. He desperately wants us to be part of his "sick romance." This song can also be found on the Moonlight Cathedral compilation.
The artwork is exceptional. The various quotes throughout the CD sleeve, coupled with the ingenious visual layouts add to the wonderful music, creating a multi-sense experience. It's good to see that in an age where digital downloads are so readily available that some artists still recognize that some fans also want excellent artwork to accompany a fine album. The best thing about this album is that it spans so many different genres--if you like techno/dance, Goth, industrial, house or rock music, you will find your money's worth in Atomika.
4 tocks
Similar sounding releases
1999UltrabeatTrip to a Planet Called Heaven
2001KeokiJealousy
1999AleixaDisfigured
2002Andy HunterExodus
1997HydroAborigination
2000ParadoxNew Devotion
