Kubrick- Cyberbeauty

Perhaps the most striking thing about Kubrick's debut album is the inclusion of two cover songs. Their version of Depeche Mode's "It's No Good," though faithful, surpasses the original, beefing it up with progressive guitar and piano, and Wumpscut's "Just A Tenderness" becomes an almost upbeat pop song while retaining the darkwave edge of the original in the form of staccato violins. Kubrick's original material is more of a mixed bag. Though the Italian trio has a definite and unique sound, merging elements of industrial rock with pop-infused electronics and dramatic vocals, an over-reliance on vintage vocal effects and synthesized speech snippets mars otherwise decent tracks like "Cybernetical" and "System_Failure." The crunchy guitars and '80s New Wave attitude on "Collapse" is irresistible, though, and a simple arrangement of drum machine, vocals, and just a light touch of electronic melody shows that less can be more on "Everybody Kills." "After The Fall" is great as well, with thick synth pads and deep pianos layered over the metallic clash of the drum machine, and "K.L.I.M.T." is catchy and accessible, making good use of the occasional quiet moments to drive home the chorus's hook. Though ditching the occasional cheesy vocal production and Speak-N-Spell effects would be a step in the right direction, Kubrick have already created a unique and recognizable sound that should appeal to synthpop and gothic fans in equal measure.

Visit Kubruck at www.officialkubrick.com.