These Eyes Before is a collection of classic covers reimagined by Collide. If you re already familiar with Collide, you surely know that the duo s brave, forward-looking electronic sound is deeply grounded in a fusion of ... more »diverse influences. Over the years, singer kaRIN and producer Statik have proven themselves to be gifted interpreters as well as courageous innovators. But nothing in the group's history will sufficiently prepare you for These Eyes Before: a set of ten mainstream classics, each one completely reimagined. Long-time followers of the Collide story will find that These Eyes Before preserves everything they ve always loved about the duo s approach. kaRIN remains a sophisticated and emotionally forthright singer; her interpretations open up new dimensions of meaning in songs you ll swear you already understood exhaustively. Statik's soundscapes are as lush and hypnotic as ever his synthesizer sounds and enveloping, his drum programming is adventurous, and the guitar work is alternately seductive and saw-toothed. Collide has already taken its place as one of the worlds foremost and best-loved electro-alternative bands, and introduced the delights of darkwave to countless listeners; These Eyes Before further demonstrates that there s no limitation on the expressiveness of their sound. stereospectacular!« less
These Eyes Before is a collection of classic covers reimagined by Collide. If you re already familiar with Collide, you surely know that the duo s brave, forward-looking electronic sound is deeply grounded in a fusion of diverse influences. Over the years, singer kaRIN and producer Statik have proven themselves to be gifted interpreters as well as courageous innovators. But nothing in the group's history will sufficiently prepare you for These Eyes Before: a set of ten mainstream classics, each one completely reimagined. Long-time followers of the Collide story will find that These Eyes Before preserves everything they ve always loved about the duo s approach. kaRIN remains a sophisticated and emotionally forthright singer; her interpretations open up new dimensions of meaning in songs you ll swear you already understood exhaustively. Statik's soundscapes are as lush and hypnotic as ever his synthesizer sounds and enveloping, his drum programming is adventurous, and the guitar work is alternately seductive and saw-toothed. Collide has already taken its place as one of the worlds foremost and best-loved electro-alternative bands, and introduced the delights of darkwave to countless listeners; These Eyes Before further demonstrates that there s no limitation on the expressiveness of their sound. stereospectacular!
CD Reviews
Solid Sound; An Instant Classic
Michael A. Ventarola | New Jersey | 11/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For some time, Collide has remained below the mainstream radar, yet they have successfully crafted a musical career that has had their work featured in films and on Demand cable video's. Lead singer kaRin also maintains a high quality internet shop called Saints & Sinners, which even features specially crafted fragrances for men and women among some of the other great merchandise offered.
Prior to this release, those on the band's email list were able to watch the video footage of the photo shoot. Enchantress kaRin makes the final product always look so effortless, yet the video voyeur that we were able to participate in demonstrated that this band will ALWAYS take things to the highest level to reach as flawless a level as they can produce. This video clearly demonstrates just how hard this band works to get their art out to the masses.
So what about this new CD? 10 songs of "covers" might make some step back a moment and wonder if it is worth the price. These tracks excel beyond mere cover songs. Statik and kaRin recreated and recrafted these songs to fit the modern electronic dark wave soundtrack of our lives to make them all fresh and vibrant. If one had never heard these songs before, it wouldn't be too difficult to imagine that they were written exclusively for the band.
The beguiling vocals of kaRin glide across the lyrical scale while Statik punctuates each track with enough audio elements to make atoms want to smash in wanton abandon. If anything, this release could be called Collide PLUS because it is clearly a Collide project, but sonically, the band took things up a few more notches. Overall, it is hypnotically trance-like in some parts, seductively danceable and infused with more passion per song than any that have been released this year.
If you are a fan of Collide, then this purchase is a no-brainer. If you are new to the band, you may want to start here to get a feel for their alluring sound that has garnered fans across the globe. Either way, NO collection should be without this release. Highly recommended."
WOW - Amazing job guys!
Stephen Anest | Seattle, WA | 11/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Collide has always done an amazing job with their music. When it comes to covering other artists they seem to take it up a few notches and smash it out of the park. I don't think I have heard cover songs done so well by any other artists. Collide makes the songs their own unique experience and put their collide stamp all over it. This comes through on every track. Their creative minds are hard at work and shine brightly on the entire cd. Full, lush, rhythmic songs await your listening pleasure. Why they are not more readily accessible is beyond my comprehension. The "alternative" music I hear on current radio is down right blah compared to that of Collide. Tracks like "I feel you", "Tusk", and "Baby did a bad bad thing" will get you out of your seat and grovin' for sure. Night's in White Satin always kind of sent a shiver down my spine...so did Collides version...the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end, yes that is a good thing. If you want to help preserve the few excellent, creative bands out there you will run now to order this cd. Not only yourself, but your friends and family as well. Remember the holidays are coming up. CD's make good stocking stuffers. Lets push this band into the next level. They really deserve it for all the years or creative music they have put out. Definitely the best thing I have heard this year."
Excellent covers collection.
V. Allen | 11/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Expertly re-imagined songs, covered with an amazing amount of skill and love. Collide sounds better than ever- and so do these staples of radio playlists.
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MusicArtery.com CD Review: surreal, 50-yard-line gyration re
C. JESSIE | Vancouver, WA USA | 02/22/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Noiseplus Music unleashes the latest: These Eyes Before; a new release by Collide revitalizing 10 classic rock favorites every music aficionado will recognize and cherish.
Truly something for everyone is reflected in These Eyes Before. I love it when I open up a brand new CD and immediately begin to sing along! Collide's talent shines with silky vocals and multi-faceted soundscapes creating a cavalcade of entirely unique and new experiences, melding both past and present audio delights beautifully.
If ever a band composed an entire CD of cover songs and, making them their own, without losing any integrity of the original work, then Collide succeeds within These Eyes Before. Take "White Rabbit" (Jefferson Airplane) covered by Collide on Chasing the Ghost [2000]; which rose in college radio and underground music club popularity until critical-mass, acquiring mainstay status at gothic clubs around the world. (Try `Goth Bowling' to Collide's rendition of "White Rabbit"!)
Most notable favorites include "Come Together", "I Feel You", "Creep", and "Tusk",
Statik's layers of synchopated noise march "Tusk" alongside the Putnam City North High School Marching Band, cohesively delivering a surreal, 50-yard-line gyration effect.
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1