Dusk to Dawn - Remains
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Dusk to Dawn (not to be confused with Bartosz Dziadosz’ ambient project) is a German trio, whose tapes released at the beginning of the ‘90s have met with critical acclaim in the music press. Even though the band had been recording new songs and playing concerts regularly they ultimately decided to suspend activity at the end of that decade. It probably would have stayed that way, if they hadn’t decided to reunite in 2011, a decision crucially influenced by their new fandom (won through electronic media). Since then Dusk to Dawn have put out a single "Sole Survivor", an EP "Existence" and in June this year released a compilation of re-mastered tracks (originally recorded between 1991-95), edition limited to 320 copies. Providing that three of the tracks have never been released before, it may be an interesting choice for the collectors.
Dusk to Dawn create a successful fusion of dark-wave music and danceable synthpop or, as stated elsewhere, "gothic rock with electronic beat". "Remains" consists of ten compositions reminiscent of such classics as Bauhaus, Deine Lakaien or Joy Division. Listener becomes immersed in a wave of melancholic sounds produced by synthesizers followed by dance-beat-pounding drum machine and simultaneously being carried away on the chords of electric guitars and the nostalgic chants of Joachim Zolke.
Album kicks-off with electronically oriented "Far Places". Shifting melody smoothly blends into the background giving way to impending synthpop rhythm. Still present though, while being occasionally shot through with low-pitched guitar riffs, it accompanies the captivating vocals brimmed with nostalgia. All these elements fused together along with its hooky arrangement mark this song as a solid key track on the album.
Moving on to the next - "Ashes" makes for a definitely well done guitar piece, "Ride" draws attention to its deftly driven bass section and "Out of Sight" would have easily scored with the New Romantic milieus of the eighties. As for me, I’m absolutely positive that nothing can endanger "Ways to Burn" first place on my list of favorite Dusk to Dawn songs. Catchy melody led by electric guitar, vocals emanating with a serene grief, the violin section – altogether with a pleasing rhythm and chorus that gives vent to suppressed emotions made me fall in love with "Ways to Burn" from the first listening.
The B side features less ethereal compositions. Vocalist often decides to sing in a lower register, example of which can be heard in "Crawl" – the darkest one here. But wait.. Isn’t that Veljanov and Horn guest appearing in "Fatal Envoy"? Nothing of the sort, this is just Zolke’s voice backgrounded by so far most dramatic piece of music (effect achieved, among the others, thanks to synthesizers choral accompaniments). Allow yourself then to submerge in emotionally shuddering "Where I came from" and next move on to "Separation" the last and definitely most contemporary part of the compilation that evokes the achievements of electro-pop bands from the end of the ‘90s.
The founder of Atemporal Records, as he explains, has established a record label to salvage unique music from passing into oblivion. It is hard not to agree on this with him and simply wish good luck in this endeavour. As for you, just abandon yourself to some time with this, yet old spirited music of Dusk to Dawn. I encourage you to check out, this time on your own, the rest of their releases, the most recent as well as the twenty years older compositions saved from the relentless time.
I assure you that it’s worth trying.
Tracklist:
A1. Far Places
A2. Ashes
A3. Ride
A4. Out of Sight
A5. Ways to burn
B1. Crawl
B2. Fatal Envoy
B3. Fading
B4. Where I came from
B5. Separation
Other articles:
Dusk to Dawn create a successful fusion of dark-wave music and danceable synthpop or, as stated elsewhere, "gothic rock with electronic beat". "Remains" consists of ten compositions reminiscent of such classics as Bauhaus, Deine Lakaien or Joy Division. Listener becomes immersed in a wave of melancholic sounds produced by synthesizers followed by dance-beat-pounding drum machine and simultaneously being carried away on the chords of electric guitars and the nostalgic chants of Joachim Zolke.
Album kicks-off with electronically oriented "Far Places". Shifting melody smoothly blends into the background giving way to impending synthpop rhythm. Still present though, while being occasionally shot through with low-pitched guitar riffs, it accompanies the captivating vocals brimmed with nostalgia. All these elements fused together along with its hooky arrangement mark this song as a solid key track on the album.
Moving on to the next - "Ashes" makes for a definitely well done guitar piece, "Ride" draws attention to its deftly driven bass section and "Out of Sight" would have easily scored with the New Romantic milieus of the eighties. As for me, I’m absolutely positive that nothing can endanger "Ways to Burn" first place on my list of favorite Dusk to Dawn songs. Catchy melody led by electric guitar, vocals emanating with a serene grief, the violin section – altogether with a pleasing rhythm and chorus that gives vent to suppressed emotions made me fall in love with "Ways to Burn" from the first listening.
The B side features less ethereal compositions. Vocalist often decides to sing in a lower register, example of which can be heard in "Crawl" – the darkest one here. But wait.. Isn’t that Veljanov and Horn guest appearing in "Fatal Envoy"? Nothing of the sort, this is just Zolke’s voice backgrounded by so far most dramatic piece of music (effect achieved, among the others, thanks to synthesizers choral accompaniments). Allow yourself then to submerge in emotionally shuddering "Where I came from" and next move on to "Separation" the last and definitely most contemporary part of the compilation that evokes the achievements of electro-pop bands from the end of the ‘90s.
The founder of Atemporal Records, as he explains, has established a record label to salvage unique music from passing into oblivion. It is hard not to agree on this with him and simply wish good luck in this endeavour. As for you, just abandon yourself to some time with this, yet old spirited music of Dusk to Dawn. I encourage you to check out, this time on your own, the rest of their releases, the most recent as well as the twenty years older compositions saved from the relentless time.
I assure you that it’s worth trying.
Tracklist:
A1. Far Places
A2. Ashes
A3. Ride
A4. Out of Sight
A5. Ways to burn
B1. Crawl
B2. Fatal Envoy
B3. Fading
B4. Where I came from
B5. Separation
Other articles:
- Dusk to Dawn - Existence EP - 2013-08-01 (Music reviews)
- Camouflage - The Pleasure Remains - 2007-06-20 (Music reviews)
