Seemingly taking their cue from Garbage for this mix of electronica and rock, Ireland's SCSI have come a long way from their origins as the band December Blue. With production assistance from Californians Tim and Carla White, the band have made a strong sounding debut.
The reference point of Garbage is an important one, with the opener "Better Than This" particularly purveying that influence and much of the album continuing that mix of driving electric guitars with slightly industrial-tinged electronic beats. Occasionally the similarity may be a little too strong, but the band have taken to the sound well and it does feel natural to them. Sharon McFeeter's vocals certainly work well over the musical backing and breathe emotion into the songs.
A standout track is probably "Wouldn't Change a Thing," which opens up the sound a little after the dense opening tracks. Focusing on the ending of a strained relationship, the lyrics demonstrate the band's reflections-on-situations style of writing.
A professional sounding and well focused recording, this album certainly marks a departure for the band. With record deals having followed in the wake of its release it will be interesting to see where they go from this and what they look like when they step out of their influences' shadows.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Sucré MusiqueMaking a stew seasoned with a little bit of ABBA (yes, that "Dancing Queen" band, whom I love dearly), Garbage, Sarah McLachlan, and the dearly departed Chasing Furies, SCSI has a finger on the pulse of alt-rock. Infused with rock guitar, keyboards, drum loops, programming, and Sharon McFeeter's plaintive alto vocals. "Better Than This" kicks things off with a very Shirley Manson-esque vibe. The…
