[product] - I Hope You Choke EP

It took 4 sensational releases by Michael Kurt's "[product]", but towards the end of an already insane year, this act has been finally been snapped up - by Cop Int.
Each of the previous releases had moments of Harsh EBM at it's most heralding and inspiring, I am quite frankly surprised that this act hasn't been discussed, mentioned, or snapped up sooner. One mans loss is anothers gain...

The past is the past, and as I am here to promote this EP, let's draw our attention to the opening track 'The Principal' (originally on 2009's 'Reassignment' EP) - you could combine the unique sounds of fellow COP act 'nolongerhuman', and fuse them with the pace and energy of C-Lekktor to get a very basic feel of the [product] experience. It's a rare experience when the vocals are delivered traditionally; remaining harsh and natural, yet the vocals are as clear as a bell, and I actually have a clue what Michael is singing about.

'Brackish' (Which fortunately is NOT a Kittie cover) can be compared to the audio equivalent of sticking your finger in a 100v socket, as the increased tempo and urgency is little different. It has a glorius pulsing synth that goes through it like a current.

'Imminent' is slow and persuasive but has the character of a vintage bottle of wine, and stands out as my favourite on the cd, almost certainly due to the fantastic lyrics and vocals that Michael spits out with no hint of inexperience in the slightest.

'Everything Falls Apart' is a strong track that's more driven on melodic synth then the rest of the EP, and will be the track that appeals to most of the Industrial collective.

The Distorted Memory remix of 'Lungs Full Of Water' is interesting and stands out like a sore thumb, although I have never heard of the original track, so I cannot compare it. The Choral One remix of 'Brackish' does the job well enough, but to be totally honest, I am not sure that I want to see too many artists remix Michael Kurt, primarily because I feel most of his work needs no reintrepretation.

He has a knack for writing wonderful song titles, especially on the older releases. The material paints a vivid picture in the mind's eye, and it's music for both the inspired and imaginative.

My criticisms are that the EP simply doesn't have enough tracks. It's customary for COP to often release a debut EP, and I agree with that, but in this case, more is better. Having heard enough material for a double CD, I can safely say that a full length is welcomed. Especially with production as crispy and investigative as this.

Great signing, Christian! Dec 27 2011