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Assemblage 23 - Compass


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Tom Shear began constructing music at home under the moniker Man On A Stage in the late 1980's. While working on Man On A Stage, Tom Shear also was playing bass live for a punk-influenced band collectively known as the Advocates. In 1988 at a Depeche Mode concert, Assemblage 23 was born. Tom was amazed by the industrial dance music that the opening DJ was spinning. His love of the electronic synth-pop sounds mixed with heavier darker aggression proved to be an turning point for him. At first, Assemblage 23 was more of a hobby for Shear rather than a permanent project. Arts Industria released the first 'official' Assemblage 23 song "Graverobber" on their Construction No. 009 compilation. Finally in 1998, the Canadian label, Gashed Records signed Assemblage 23 and released their first album, Contempt in 1999, and the follow-up, Failure in 2001. Shortly after the release of Failure, Assemblage 23 had a falling out with Gashed Records and left the label to sign with Metropolis Records, who later that year re-released both Contempt and Failure. With only those two albums, Contempt and Failure, Assemblage 23 became one of the biggest names in industrial and EBM music today.

Compass starts off fantastically with Smoke, its danceable, the synths are awesome, the layering works really well and catchy. Its probably one of my personal favourites on the album and one of the best first tracks I've heard in a long time. My other personal favourite is Angels & Demons as its used some different synths also it combines Toms brilliant vocals with a female accomplice which compliment each other really well. the lyrics are strangely beautiful, something just draws me to it.
Collapse is another really good track with its grittier synths contrasted by some lighter synths and vocal melody make it really enjoyable. Along with its easily danceable beat, its got a fresh feel to it making it thoroughly enjoyable.
Impermanence has a kind of optimistic feeling about it but the lyrics however depict an image of a relationship breaking down which I believe everyone can relate to sooner or later in their lives. It also touches on the point that nothing in life, even life its self, isn't permanent. Things are constantly changing in nature, people, technology and science, always evolving.
The most mellow track on this album is beautiful. How Can You Sleep is lyrically and musically beautiful as well as full of emotion. Its so stunning.

I don't think I can fault it. Its got the classic A23 flare were used to but with some different twist to it that make it work really well. Its a thoroughly enjoyable album, Id definitely label is as a must have. Toms excellent ability to portray emotions in his songs is a rarely seen in modern times.

Tracklist:

01. Smoke
02. Spark (Album mix)
03. Collapse
04. Impermanence
05. How Can You Sleep
06. Leave This All Behind
07. Alive
08.Greed
09. Angels & Demons
10. The Cruelest Year
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Translator: murd
Add date: 2011-07-28 / Music reviews




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