Imperative Reaction
As We Fall
Metropolis
As We Fall is the latest offering from the California industrial powerhouse Imperative Reaction and may be one of the most acclaimed releases of 2006. With deep analog synths and emotion-packed vocals, Imperative Reaction have risen to new creative heights. The throbbing “Collapse” kicks the album into high gear with brutal electronics and pounding beats. The chorus is climactic and will have you hypnotized instantly; a testament to superb songwriting. Moving the notch up a few bars, “Judas” follows with dark bass lines and metallic percussion. This gem could easily be the hit single for the album. Ted Phelp’s vocal energy is at an all-time high and complements the symphony of sounds throughout. “Further To Fall” treads on similar ground with an infectious groove. The best attribute here is the lack of the tried & true distorted vocals of past releases. In contrast to their earlier works, this album is easier on the ear and just as intense. “Only in My Mind” comes on next with brilliant structure and delivery. Elements of trance, electro and EBM are gracefully mixed into one cohesive piece that really satisfies. I find myself hitting the repeat button on my iPod over and over at the gym.
The dance-friendly “Never Ending” has remnants of their previous effort Redemption with added surprises. A superb chorus takes this track to the stratosphere. The title track will force you to tighten your straps and get ready for battle. It’s a brooding combination of potent lyrics with a sonic backdrop from the underworld. The instrumental “Hang From Your Own Rope” bears its fruit from careful attention to programming and production values. There is really no need for voices on this one. It motivates and elevates effortlessly. My top pick is the assaulting “Closed In” with IR displaying their mastery of design and delivery. Hard-edged electronic body music does not get any better than this. The slower-paced “Divide” proves that high voltage comes in smaller doses. As We Fall closes with “Dissolve,” a song that could have easily opened the album as well. Or maybe the band is paving the way towards the next musical horizon. Imperative Reaction have surpassed my expectations and have proven that not all US-based electro is crap.
Metropolis Records: http://www.metropolis-records.com
