Blush Response - Tension Strategies

NYC is home to many very cool obscure bands. One that has eluded me for a long time is Blush Response. How could this have happened? They play pretty regularly around here. Recently, in Canada Blush Response shared the stage with the likes of ∆aimon, Leaether Strip, Haujobb, XP8, Assemblage 23, Dead When I Found Her, Distorted Memory and several others at the Terminus Festival. Blush Response became very busy in 2012 working with Fear Factory on 'The Industrialist' album. Joey Blush was given the opportunity to add his synthetic sounds and ideas into most of the tracks on 'The Industrialist'. He also did remixes for How To Destroy Angels and MSI and will be joining Scar the Martyr on tour in August lending his synths to the live show. Again, I ask myself, "Why haven't I heard of Blush Response"? The answer is quite simple... I f**king suck!

After my initial pre-listening ritual, I knew this was a great discovery. It was more than just a free download from Brutal Resonance to review 'Tension Strategies' which I never asked for. I decided to purchase this and I am damn glad I did! So, lets take a trip into Joey Blush's world of Blush Response.

The furious electro-industrial-cyberpunk-hardcore beats penetrate you like the rusty knife of a deranged hobo. The drums sound like someone one smashing on metal trash can lids while trying to tune some antenna-less transistor radio with rusty hanger. The programming consists of a lot quirky fast split- second incisions throughout the songs. The vocals are somewhat in the realm of Jared Louche meets Trent Reznor. They are clear enough to make out most of what's being said. It becomes very intense with all the tweaks, quirks, twists, bleeps and other assorted technical and mechanical sounds thanks to the loyal use of the modular synth that allows Blush Response to go beyond the traditional keyboard.

"America", is probably the strongest track on the album. The song structure has a more traditional approach. It builds up and the chorus pounds home its political message against American Imperialism. With "America (Fuck Yeah)" in the chorus, I detect a sense of humor laced into a serious topic. I also get the feeling "America" will cater to more than the typical electro-industrial gear head. With the right exposure this song will bring Blush Response a lot more attention.

As I mentioned earlier, Blush Response worked with legendary industrial metal outfit Fear Factory. Two tracks that really capture some of the furious synthetic mechanized sounds from likes of Fear Factory are "Voices" and "Heathen Life". They both deliver machine-like strikes with only a hint of guitars sampled into "Heathen Life". The wide assortment of sounds are processed out into a really nice piece of harmonic violence!

"Delusional" showcases Joey's voice with an addictive anthemic chorus. Lots of "ohoohohhoho's". "Delusional" will surely generate serious play counts on your iTunes. Despite the previously mentioned similarities to how the vocals sound, Joey really has a stand out voice. I suspect somewhere down the the road a reviewer writing a review of some other band's release may say, "The vocals remind me of Blush Response".

"Dying Eyes" is another standout track. It is the most gentle track on 'Tension Strategies'. There is a nice blend of EBM & synth-pop and demonstrates that Blush Response can really diversify their sound.

"The Veil" is another politically-charged assault perhaps calling out the masses for seeing what they want to see rather than what's really happening. I guess the great thing about lyrics is that you can interpret them how you wish, just like people can interpret political maneuverings however they want. We use the veils to help us meet our agendas. A convenient mechanism of personal comfort. The music enters, but does not stay in the Nine Inch Nails realm. The chorus is repetitive and forms a nice partnership with the music and all of its rapid fire fracas.

"Respite" and "Mass Ejection" roll out the noisier side of Blush Response. There are a wide range of influences tickling our ears. A little SPK meets Front Line Assembly. Every album tends to have the obligatory instrumental. "Mass Ejection" incorporates a lot of intricate programming making it a very interesting listen rather than chalking it up to boring filler.

"Burn Blue" has that new school EBM sound that seems to be emanating from NYC and LA. Very nice beats to get the body moving. If the entire album was in this very style it would still be a pretty awesome release.

It's kind of hard to see where Blush Response is going with this album. It's all over the place. I mean that as a compliment. Each song has its similarities to the next while still achieving a separate identity of its own. Although there are common elements, it seems to be meticulously splattered about so no two songs sound the same one after the other.

Joey is a super friendly guy and a very talented musician. I sincerely hope some of you will check out his web pages and see/hear for yourself that 'Tension Strategies' is a formidable well-crafted album. As a new fan I will be on the lookout for more Blush Response. Jul 18 2013