Seabound, Architect, Ien Oblique

Seabound, the moniker under which the duo of Frank Spinath (vocals) and Martin Vorbrodt (electronics) collaborate, is one of the most highly regarded acts in the dark electronic scene. A unique ability to combine cutting edge, modern music and emotional vocals and lyrics to create an atmospheric, compelling work separate Seabound from its contemporaries. Speak In Storms is possibly Seabound's strongest effort to date. It is cohesive, with the ominous tension started in early tracks like "For Life" and "Contraband." The tension keeps building through to the dancable "Everything," which seems to be a deep exhalation of breath, a release. The relief is short lived, as "Lair" builds once again from the darker atmospherics, taking the listener once again into the moody world of Seabound. Speak in Storms is a compelling piece of work; it's the sound of broken dreams, of loss and anger, and, of course, love.

Architect is a unique hybrid of idm, electronica and smooth ambient soundscapes inexhaustibly explored by German mastermind Daniel Myer. In a career spanning over fifteen years, Daniel has been connected to but never belonged to a host of scenes and styles. Architect was created in 1998 and has since proven his mettle on a multitude of releases and on countless acclaimed concerts world-wide.

In 2010 Alan Wilder (Recoil) discovered Architect's brilliance, which led to Daniel performing as a support act for Recoil on several acclaimed shows in Europe and the United States. Architect's most pronounced quality is the accomplished combination of powerful grooves and atmospheric soundscapes resulting in music that is suitable for both listening and dancing.

Architect's sixth full length album, 'Mine,' constitutes an appreciable shift in direction compared to his previous works by adding compositional and instrumental innovations brand new to this project. Supported by well-respected artists like Ben Lukas Boysen a.k.a. hecq, guitarist and cellist Felix Gerlach, Dejan Samardzic (dsx), legendary producer, engineer and remixer Paul Kendall, Canadian musician and sound designer Comaduster and Hungarian vocalist Emese Arvai-Illes (Black Nail Cabaret), Architect marches to no one's beat but his own, expanding ambitious electronica with comprehensive down-tempo song structures. Moderate yet decisive beats and precise keyboard and string arrangements build the foundation for emese's exceptional voice transmitting suspense, depth and sinister beauty with perfectly fitting lyrics.

Depending on how and when you listen, this atmospheric release can fill you with menace and sadness, or send you into a deep reverie. Uncompromising, muscular and powerful, the music of 'Mine' is also full of subtle touches and a supple sense of rhythm.

Highly recommended for devotees of Moderat, Recoil or House of Black Lanterns - this album will be 'yours' for sure.