Black Wedding

Artist: Black Wedding

CD Title: (self-titled CD)

Label: Autumnal Release

Website: http://www.autumnalrelease.com/blackwedding/index.html

Genre: EBM, Alternative, Industrial

Reviewer: Scott Sweet

Date: 5-30-11

Buy the CD here: http://kunaki.com/Sales.asp?PID=PX00ZG9MIM

New York's duo Black Wedding presents its full-length debut on the heels of their EP, "Control".  Joshua Heinrich (Fornever) handles the instruments and vocals, while Julie Johnson brings the lyrics.  Together, they build on EBM fundamentals with an emphasis on melody.  These ten songs don't meander in different directions; this is a dancefloor album.  To quote James Brown, "Get up offa that thing".

Though Black Wedding doesn't just rehash EBM standards, their songs have elements familiar within the genre.  "Lost and Found" harkens to the minor-key drama of 90's darkwave.  "No Reason" has the strongest drum track, while "Virus" and "Higher" have a Gary Numan vibe.  "Outside the Box" has hints of VNV Nation and Numan's guitar style.

Heinrich uses just enough vocal distortion to blend with the music, so he doesn't sound like a Dalek from "Doctor Who" or Front 242.  He's actually singing melodies rather than just speaking in time with the music.  Johnson's lyrics are linear enough that you don't lose the beat scratching your head.  These details add up to actual songwriting.  I appreciate when a band doesn't just loop a 16th-note bassine and go to lunch.

Black Wedding's debut is a solid start, rooted in EBM traditions while focusing on melody the way more pop-oriented bands like Depeche Mode and Information Society have.  Also, check out the "Control" EP to hear two songs not on the full CD and a remix of "Control".