75%

Two years have passed since the publishing of the great album titled "Violet". And, to tell you the truth, I have been looking forward to hear the new publication by The Birthday Massacre. The premiere date of "Walking with strangers" has been changed several times, but finally the album has taken its place in music stores. And here comes the time for usual questions: was it worth waiting? Didn't the band fail the expectations of all those fans who are in love with violet and dark rabbits? Well… yes, and no. It is still the same band, the same crystal clear, surround sound (the album was produced by Dave "Rave" Ogilvie himself, the producer known for his cooperation with, among others, the Killing Joke and Skinny Puppy), the same catchy melodies and fabulous, dreamlike atmosphere, accentuated by climatic artwork, which is distinctive of TBM. Similarly to "Violet" we have here some calm pieces, simply dripping with sweetness and melodies (e.g. "Kill the Lights" which slowly gathers its speed; gently sung "Remember Me"; or the closing track – a ballad titled "Movie" which irresistibly reminds me of the "Holiday" – the hit song from the previous album). But there are also wild and stronger strokes, in which we can hear some heavier guitar riffs (e.g. "Red Stars"). The greatest problem of "Walking with strangers" is the constancy – this album has nothing that would surprise those who have already heard "Violet". One may have a feeling that the band members are afraid of experimentation and they prefer to tread on the familiar ground, on which they feel more confident, rather than to risk while exploring some new areas of music. The effect of the aforementioned problem is a rapid boredom, the first symptoms of which appeared, in my case, after I have listened to the album just a few times. To sum up: this is still the same good old TBM, but unfortunately, for a more demanding audience it is nothing but a "replay", based on the same themes that were used two years ago.

Tracklisting:
01. Kill The Lights
02. Goodnight
03. Falling Down
04. Unfamiliar
05. Red Stars
06. Looking Glass
07. Acience
08. Remember Me
09. To Die For
10. Walking With Strangers
11. Weekend
12. Movie
13. Untitled

www.thebirthdaymassacre.com

Other articles:

• 3rd Out of Line Weekender - 2014-08-28 (Live reports)
• The Birthday Massacre - Looking Glass - 2008-06-29 (Music reviews)
• M'era Luna 2006 - 2006-08-15 (Live reports)
• Castle Party 2006 - 2006-08-10 (Live reports)

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