Search - I Am X :: Alternative

Brilliant!

A. S. Guven | Here on Earth | 07/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a most poetic dark depiction of sensual love, heartbreak, politics, nightlife, imaginary beings, religion, rough sex, substance abuse, and reincarnation. With his beautiful voice and hypnotic music, Chris Corner - former Sneaker Pimps singer, turned me into an addict to his second solo album in its entirety. Highly recommended to all music fans with an open mind, especially if you like Muse and/or Depeche Mode."

An utterly addicting album!

C. A. Sulskis | Grand Junction, CO | 09/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely LOVE this entire album! It's this mesh of melodic synth-pop and electro-rock-industrial hype. Think an edgier Muse with a steamier New Wave feel. Chris Corner has this strong vocal style and beat driven edge that moves right through you, and keeps you coming back for more."

Shake your hearing senses!

ebmAddikt | Portland Oregon | 09/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard IAMX from the "Elektrisch Vol. 3" compilation CD I purchased about a year ago. The song: "Nightlife (People Theatre's Trip To Berlin Mix)", which slowly grew on me, but I never got to the point where I wanted to buy an entire album until I was watching an Imogen Heap vBlog and how she raves about "Spit It Out!", in fact, she remixed the song for Chris Corner - founder IAMX member. So I thought, mmk-yeah... I'd check out the video on YouTube. Wow! Great song, great video! I then made the move to buy the album ("The Alternative").



Unfortunately, the CD goes for about $40.00 for the hard copy, so as my only "alternative" :P I comprimised and downloaded the album via Amazon MP3's - not bad!, the files were ripped at 256kbps for me, plus I was rewarded with instant gratification.



I would catagorize "The Alternative" as electronic with an avant-garde flavor, however, a few songs tend to have more of an ebm or futurepop influence. It is a very diverse album which ranges from the balad-esque to the dancey. Chris' vocals have definitely improved since the previous IAMX album, which I also downloaded (it's ok...but this one is far better). Vocals are an A+, not only lyrical content, but also in delivery. The Alternative is indeed one of my top favorite buys of 2008, albeit released in 2006.



I'll provide a brief description for each track:



1. "President", a waltzy marching band-like tune with tubas, french horns and piano (I assume they are sampled). Dark electronica with just a hintering of goth. I didn't like it at first, now I love it!



2. "The Alternative" is more ebm-influenced, great song!



3. "Nightlife" - another ebm-influenced track, another great song!



4. "Lulled By Numbers" - Slow burner, dark electronica, melodic, excellent!



5. "Song Of Imaginary Beings" - I love this song! French/Italian inspired electronica tune where accordians dominate. Timeless!



6."The Negative Sex" - gritty, grungy electronica. Catchy, dancy.



7. "Bring Me Back A Dog" - another ebm-ish tune. Love the lyrics. Very catchy.



8. "S.H.E" - somber, slow, vintage, timeless! Vocals reminds me of Stephen Duffy a bit.



9. "Spit It Out" - electro clash beacon! very melodic, catchy.



10. "After Every Party I Die" - blend of guitars and electronic. nice hooks.



11. "This Will Make You Love Again" - piano balad finale track, builds to strings, timpani's, horns.



My only gripes about the album, is 1). the bass response is a little thin, and 2). there's really not much headroom in the overall recording as it sounds just a tad bit over-compressed. However, even with these minor gripes, I still rate "The Alternative" a solid 5. Every song is great!



Check it out and shake your hearing senses!



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