I didn't know much about this group till my cousin told me to try them out. I've loved their music since first hearing the song The Highest Cost. It's the only cd I own that I actually enjoy listening to every single song on the cd. This band is just awesome and I'd definitly glad I listened to my cousin and listened to this group. I look forward to more from them as well.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
There have only been a few albums that remain in my cd player as long as Son of Rusts, Vicious Cycles.  Mesh's "Who Watches over me" and "Wrath" from Iris come to mind.   I load up the cd again and the visualizations on my pc sync up perfectly, moving in chorus with the first track of Vicious Cycles.  Yep, another smile on my face and the feeling that it's going to remain in there for another long while! 

This is the second full length release from Justin Coope, the man behind the name, Son of Rust.  SoR continues to possess a quality of sound that appeals to those from a variety of different musical backgrounds.   It's one of those albums where, in one listen, you'll want to stomp around the floor and in another; you'll want to listen to the words.  He's found a unique spot in the vocal electronic scene with elements that range from that of Depeche Mode to Nine Inch Nails to Mesh.   Vicious Cycles is EBM, Industrial 80's with dark and new wave thrown all over.  The percussion, throughout most of the album, is clearly rooted in the dark wave, industrial ground and the entire album is made unmistakable with his unique use of the guitar.   

Much of the appeal of Vicious Cycles is in the genuineness of Mr. Coopes vocals and how he drapes them over some painfully real lyrics.  I've become a big fan of Justin's signature synth sounds with his first release "Six Years of Gene Therapy".   The live performances are amazing and compliment those SoR has shared the stage with like Iris and Information Society.   I'm truly excited about seeing this album performed live later this year when they share the stage with Assemblage 23 and James D. Stark. 

Although "Six Years of Gene Thearpy" did collect itself over that "6" year creative period, Vicious Cycles is a clearly an inspired effort happening in the traditional sense of the professional musician, all at once.   An effort, like a photograph, where the final product captures the entire story.  I've read many fantastic reviews and comments in online forums, myspace, etc. regarding Vicious Cycles and which tracks are everyone's favorites.   His fan's opinions cover just about every track on the album.  As I said earlier, Vicious Cycles somehow remains undefined yet fits perfectly in this scene as a whole.   I was going to list a few of my own personal highlights of the album but I'm listening to Vicious Cycles as I write this and am lost again in Justin's inspired interpretation of humanity.   Well done.
                            Read more...