The Void Has Been Filled (Trust Your Instincts) !
Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 10/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes ! Finally ! after all these years this lost and forgotten New Romantic/Wave album from one of the most underrated groups of the 80's has come to the digital format. Almost 20 years to be exact. The catchy guitar riffs with the drums, synth work hooks, and the wailing saxophone (touch of coolness) made this band more of a cult classic new wave gem than a top 40 pop accessible cliche. Fronted by the smooth, lightweight, yet driving vocals of Deborah Iyall. Romeo Void had subliminal hints of pre-alternative before alternative would come to the forefront in the early 90's. I strongly recommend this unearthed musical treasure to be listened to by some of the younger whipper snappers.They will realize there were new wave artists of the 80's who were a sort of blue print for the alternative scene of the 90's and beyond..."
Instinctive
S. Sarabia | Portland, ME, USA | 10/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"New Wave began to really take off commercially thanks to the debut of MTV in 1981 and here you have an incredible band with just enough crunching guitar, beautiful sax and the most deliciously haunting and caressing vocals EVER courtesy of the lovely lead singer, Deborah Iyall. On Instincts, their 3rd and unfortunately last effort, an entire potpourri of emotions a la music is brought into the spotlight. This album, their most commercially accessible, somehow slipped through the cracks of the mainstream. "Instincts" opens with a powerful song entitled, "Out on My Own" and is followed by similarly moody, deep and brooding songs that tell stories which straddle the line between love and heartache, but by way of a more poetic vehicle than what most bands at this time were putting out. The closest comparison to Romeo Void for me would be The Motels (and Martha Davis.) The anthem (and first hit single from Instincts, "A Girl in Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing,") had the distinct makings of becoming a single womens' anthem back then, but oddly, did not reach the masses of women it could and should have, where it was so controversial. My favorite song off this album next to the lead and 2nd singles ("A Girl in Trouble" and "Out on My Own,") is "Your Life Is A Lie." The crunching guitar juxtaposed with Deborah's haunting vocals and Bossi's nocturnal-sounding sax is a magical combination. The title cut also comes in very high on my list of favorites from this historic, awesome release. Iyall could have lulled an entire maternity ward full of crying babies to sleep with the sound of her voice alone on this one. I highly recommend this album from an 80's band whose life in the limelight was so unfairly short lived and more curiously, unjustifiably so. Romeo Void should have had (with the correct support of their record label (CBS,) hits well into the 90's just by their talent alone. Furthermore, there were reports circulating (then) that Deborah's appearance (where she was overweight) was an issue for the record company (Columbia) which is deeply saddening. It's about the "music," NOT about the appearance of the artist or artists ANYWAY. Besides, Deborah's got a gorgeous face and a beautiful spirit, so they can all go "f" themselves. Romeo Void was a GREAT band and "Instincts" was an incredible recording at a time when image didn't overshadow true talent. 'Nuff said."
Major Mystery Here
Philip L. Fowler | United States | 08/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a major mystery why this album wasn't at the top of the charts in 1984. There's isn't a bad song in the bunch. In fact, each one seems so well-crafted that why it never charted higher than #68 only adds to the mystery. Debora Iyall's vocals are sharp, clear and add texture to each song in a way no earthly instrument could. Her voice is rich and uniquely fitted to every song. You know she really means what she's saying. Her lyrics are smart, intelligent, and while sometimes cutting, like in "Just Too Easy" and "Your Life Is A Lie", they're also hopeful and supportive in "Instincts" and "A Girl in Trouble". Aaron Smith's drumming is flawless and intricate while Peter Woods and Frank Zincavage's guitars set the perfect tone for each track. Benjamin Bossi's saxophone adds more than just the right amount of punctuation. In the case of "A Girl In Trouble", the single from this '80s gem, Bossi's sax wails a hook that captures the listener's attention and echoes long after the song has finished. After a listen, one can only wonder why this impressive album wasn't spinning on all of America's turntables in 1984. If there's a candidate for the perfect 1980's LP, Romeo Void's "Instincts" would be one of my picks. Too bad this wasn't a double album. I could listen to more..."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
