Citizen 16 - Temptation (Single)

Whenever someone states out that they're going to attempt to combine genres, the usual interpretation is that they will mix and mingle two sounds into one wholesome sound. And this technique works very well for a multitude of projects. However, there are few acts who really use two different genres to their full extent in one song simultaneously. And, ladies and gentlemen, this is why I wish to bring to your attention Citizen 16's latest EP.

Temptation is perhaps a more loving and caressing version of what C16 has been working on since they started; there's less harsh EBM, and a lot more futurepop present. Not only that, but there's a definite crisp, clean production from what these guys were doing, to what they're doing now. From Construct to this latest release, C16 is providing a new punch and a wallop of talent for your ears to just feast on.

The title track of the EP, Temptation, first made its impressions on me with a compilation that the label released a bit ago. And, though I discussed the song once before, I wish to brag about it more, for it deserves more than what I said. The intro sequence blazes off with some light electronics and samples that show off an almost riot-like scenario going on, the synths providing a beautiful background to go on. As the steady, but hearty rhythm comes into play, it wasn't long before Wolf Neve's vocals broke out, providing an angry growl, sort of screech that worked well. And then, shortly after, the handsome side of the act perks its head out, with vocals keen to futurepop breaking out. Deeper, extremely sincere, and lovely all in one. Not only that, but the music itself changes to go along with the differing voice, changing to a slow paced, less electronic focused, more synth focused tune that works wonders. Towards the end, a very poppy, dance oriented small segment occurs. In all other words, to summarize this paragraph: This song was absolutely astounding.

My Friend hit in next, and did away with the Harsh EBM, and brought out the surreal futurepop these guys are good at cranking out. Very dance worthy, very fun, and has just an ultimate feeling to it that makes it even better than ever. The piano work in it that served as sort of an instrumental perk was amazing; C16 shows their skill in both making a song enjoyable and also in being able to keep a track fresh as it moves on.

That Night and Lies Within Beauty continue the futurepop trend, giving out another (between the two) eight minutes of musical love to the fans. Just as well, we finally get hit with the first pure harsh EBM track on the EP, Can't Stop Time. The introduction was wonderful, really getting you nice and settled into the beat before unleashing more screams onto you. Faster paced, the electronics were more broken up and hit harder with a nice little dance number to it. This transition proved that C16 can easily blend their futurepop with harsh EBM without raising too many questions.

And, another track that I came to know and love from a past compilation the label released, M80 featured the lovely vocals of Christopher Gurney of IIOIOIOII alongside Wolf's. Pairing these two humming birds together was an absolute stellar collaboration; an extremely powerful dual vocal set was brought out with this track, and both shine and resonate with one another.

Leaving had a great opening intro, the samples laden in the beginning were wonderfully put, with robot-like vocals fitting the scheme extremely well. There's an additional set of vocals, high pitched and beautiful at the same time, present on the track, that added an extra flair to the song.

Heading back into the harsh EBM side of the story, Angelifactum slowed down the pace and and the vocal delivery became more distorted, more whisper-like in comparison to the previous screaming already heard. Much harder, a touch of ambience looming in the background, with a somber violin sound constantly going, this track had an overall mournful tone to it. The clean cut vocals also made an appearance, sounding a little out of place. They sounded good, but I think the song would have done better without them.

Fashion Boy hit in with a final harsh EBM track, but combined futurepop elements within the instruments. The intertwining screaming and light hearted chimes made it seem like Tinker Bell went gothic and evil and succeeded. Great work and well done.

The last song on the EP is a remix of That Night done by Retrogramme. They take the vocals and completely make them robotic, and, for the most part, we got dealt a very electronic remix. It's lighter and not as loud, but has its own touch. The guitar work added in provided a bit of a rougher effect. I liked it, but wouldn't say that I'd want to listen to it again as much as I'd want to listen to the original by C16.

And, well, the positive words that I can express for this EP are nearly endless. From one end of the spectrum to the next, Citizen 16 has pushed out an excellent label debut that not only manages to harness the powers of harsh EBM and futurepop, but also dominates both genres with ease. If you're looking for something new to listen to, something fresh, then be a sinner and give into Temptation. Sep 05 2014