A remarkable debut
02/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"And now for something completely different...If you know Steve Mecca from his work with the New Age project "Malaysian Pale", or if you've heard the widely-acclaimed RPG spoof "Waste 'Em With My Crossbow" from this disc, you might think you KNOW Serious Black.Think again.Mecca's debut album (on the Dante's Landlord label--nice touch, that) is a virtual blender of musical styles and influences. There's a heavy 80's influence here to be sure, but there's also a smattering of dark don't-listen-to-this-with-the-lights-off pieces, dance tracks that are guaranteed to pack the floor, a gentle love ballad, and a hilarious spoof of role-playing gamers (the aforementioned "Waste 'Em...).It's a credit to the genius of Serious Black (and Mecca's estimable songwriting skills) that the whole thing doesn't get bogged down in its own eclectic stew. Somehow, it just all works. And it works remarkably well. From the ominous opening chords of "The Gathering Storm" to the final shouts of "Hoody Hoo!" on the final track (trust me, it makes sense when you know the backstory), this is a stunning debut. Don't wait. Buy it now.You'll be glad you did."
A dark, powerful electronic album
Joseph P. McDonald | Whittier, California United States | 10/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This debut release from Serious Black is indeed a powerful electronic collection that definitely portrays a dark, gothic atmosphere. But I believe it benefits most from the impeccable production that went into the making of this album. It is technically polished while still delivering a powerful electronic spirit. Previous reviewers have compared it 80's electro rock and a cross between Rammstein and Depeche Mode, which may be accurate. But I believe it has a more original, developed sound. Although the songs are quite different from track to track the similarities they all share are dark electronic power. While many groups produce records that start off big and then kind of run down towards the end (read Chemical Brothers) from start to finish Serious Black's album keeps turning in a new direction with every track. It's not like they saved the best for last, but they could have. I'm not sure how Serious Black can produce another album that can maintain such a fervent, technical yet powerful effort. But when they do, I will snap that one up too!"
Serious Black is Seriously Unique!
Igor | Horror-Web.Com | 06/03/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Serious Black is currently a one-man band comprised of Steve Mecca. Steve is no stranger to music; As a kid he started out as a bass player in a garage band called "Spider Willie & The Merchants", and later, a progressive rock band called "Leviathan". The future held more bands for Steve, including "Clowns Ahoy", "Kathexis", "Malaysian Pale", and "Chemistry Pop" before venturing out on his own with Serious Black. The genres of these bands ran the gamut from punk to progressive rock, and now he has found a comfy home in the Goth/industrial scene.
Before you say "Oh puhlease! Not another Goth/industrial band" let me just explain first.
Yes, I agree that it seems that the Goth/Industrial genre of music is at an all time spike lately. With bands like Midnight Syndicate, Nox Arcana, and other similar bands hitting the scene, you can't help but feel suffocated with the electro synth sound - but trust me, Serious Black is unique. You have heard nothing like this I can assure you of this!
I was a little disappointed when I read some of the reviews of this newcomer on the scene. Well, ok, Serious Black is not "bright and shiny" new, Barbican has been out since 2003 - but I digress... Many people who have reviewed this little gem have noted the influences of Depeche Mode and Siouxsie - I on the other hand heard some subtle Joy Division or very early New Order influences. I did hear the DM and Siouxsie inflections, and I think with all of these influences that I personally heard, it made me really embrace this CD.
If you are old school Goth/Industrial/ "New Wave" like I am - you are really REALLY going to dig this CD. If you follow the new school of this genre, it's ok - you're going to like it too! Barbican is an eclectic mix of tracks that is sure to please everyone. With dance tracks, shocking lyrics, and dark looming sounds, you are going to at least like one of the 11 tracks on this CD if not all of them.
And speaking of the 11th track - Hey Gamers!!!!!! Waste 'Em With My Crossbow is a little ditty about RPGing. I thought it was hilarious since I am married to an avid gamer. I think others will appreciate it as much as I did. I rate this a 4 stars as it is worth a serious look. Sample the tracks and decide for yourself. This is such an eclectic mix I personally feel that everyone should have a copy. I look forward to hearing new stuff from Serious Black. Serious Black is a refreshing change from the mainstream!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1