CONCEPT 7
"The
Undeniable Constant" (Earthspike; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
In my review of Concept 7's earlier "Extract" EP, I mentioned that the band would fit right in with all those tracks you hear on the soundtracks to films like "The Matrix" and "Mortal Kombat," as well as the current video game soundtrack craze. With their full-length CD, "The Undeniable Constant," however, the band takes it up a notch.
Note to the producers of those types of films and those types of video games: If you're looking for a complete soundtrack to your next project, not just a track or two, you need look no farther than "The Undeniable Constant." Why hire a bunch of different bands when Concept 7 will give you everything you're looking for on one CD?
The three tracks from the previous "Extract" EP are here, as are an additional eight tracks that run the gamut from industrial metal to throbbing techno to curious, almost spoken word entries. The balance of electronic to guitar is almost perfect, giving the CD a kick-ass rock'n'roll sound that's heavy with industrial influences and spacey synthesizer effects ... the kind you mind find on a Devo album.
My favorite track is "Art of War," which starts out with the sound effects of a full on battle, complete with explosions, machine gun fire and screaming soldiers, and then slowly morphs into a driving track reminiscent of Brad Fiedel's celebrated "Terminator" movie score.
The production is a little rough here and there, mostly on the vocals, but never enough to be distracting. Still, I can't help but wonder how much more powerful this CD would be in the hands of an expensive, veteran producer who really knows how to squeeze every last ounce of sound from the band.
"The Undeniable Constant" might be a little too industrial/techno for some but anyone who's enjoyed Ministry, Nine Inch Nails and the like will find plenty to keep them entertained here.
For more information, check out http://www.concept-7.net.
"Extract"
EP (Earthspike; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Concept-7's "Extract" EP starts out with "Functional Concrete," a song that brings to mind the slightly more industrial tunes of Powerman 5000. And that's not a bad thing. By the time all three tracks on this CD are finished, however, you realize that really isn't the direction the band's going in ... and that's not a bad thing, either.
The three tracks on "Extract" are in the vein of Ministry and Rammstein, with more focus on atmosphere than Ministry and with less guitar influence than Rammstein. "Functional Concrete" has the most rock-ish sound and rhythm of the lot. The second track, "Subversion," has a strong sci-fi flavor while the final track, "Corporation Tank," seems like it came straight out of Ridley Scott's "Bladerunner." As a matter of fact, this is the kind of music you'd hear on a "Mortal Kombat" or "Matrix" film ... or maybe even a "Half-Life" video game. I won't be surprised if anything from Concept 7 winds up on one of those currently so popular comic book or video game movies. Any of the three tracks on "Extract" would fit like a glove.
The downside here is that "Extract" is just an E.P. - the listener gets just a taste of what the band is all about with only three tracks and just over 12 minutes of music.
For more information, check out http://www.concept-7.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 14 Oct 2024 14:01:56 -0400.
