Kill Hannah singer/songwriter/guitarist Mat Devine feels that he was genetically ‘just predestined to be a total music lover,’ something that could very well explain the power and intensity of their Atlantic Records debut, “For Never and Ever.” The influence of new wave can definitely be heard in Kill Hannah’s music (and seen in their image), … Read more
With a KMFDM album, you always know what you’re going to get, yet at the same time will always be surprised. For nearly 20 years, they have been delivering ultra-heavy rock/electronic music that has a melodic edge strong enough to appeal to pop fans. They’ve never put out an album that just sounds like a … Read more
Based around the brother and sister team of Jim and Alison Shaw, Cranes are able to successfully make dark, often haunting music that is also very catchy. Their earliest work was the cassette-only FUSE (1986), but it was the 1989 mini-LP “SELF-NON-SELF” that really started getting the attention of Britain’s music press and radio. Signing … Read more
Proving that it’s possible to rock out using harp and cello as the lead instruments, double-breasted perform with a level of intensity and professionalism that makes it seem like they’ve been playing together for years. But in reality, the group has existed for only a few months. Keeping with their quick evolution as a band, … Read more
Edition Terranova are a German trio who fuses a variety of electronic styles with the intensity of punk rock. Using their DJ sets at the Berlin club Pogo as a testing ground, they’ve assembled a superb new album, “Hitchhiking Non-Stop With No Particular Destination.” Among other things, the disc features vocals from Stereo MC’s singer … Read more
In the worlds of hip hop and dance music, the innovation and influence of Grandmaster Flash in undeniable. His pioneering mixing skills transformed the turntable into true ‘instrument,’ and his ability to get a crowd moving has made his DJ sets legendary. Flash is back with ‘Essential Mix: Classic Edition,’ a superb mix CD that … Read more
“Wiser,” the second album from San Francisco’s Halou, is an outstanding work of organic sounding electronic-based music. Building upon the sound of their 1999 debut, “We Only Love You,” the group has become much more focused musically. There’s increased use of live instruments this time around, and the music is expertly crafted to leave breathing … Read more
Influences of early synth-pop and electro are highly apparent in the music of Ladytron, but they are far from being a retro band. On their debut full-length cd, “604,” they successfully drew from the past to create a highly unique, futuristic sound. Their sonic palette often sounds like it could have been used to create … Read more
A large number of new electronic dance acts emerged out of the techno/rave explosion of the early 90’s, but few have proven to have the staying power as Orbital. With each new release, they’ve managed to give their music a unique edge without straying to far from what listeners come to expect. Now fans old … Read more
The following interview with Orbital was conducted in 2002, when the duo was in NY for the premiere of the film ‘xXx’ (which they appeared in.) At that time, they were promoting ‘Work: 1989-2002,’ a 14 song career-spanning collection. You’re quoted as saying “our best work comes from trying to copy other people and getting … Read more