SideChained - Demo

It's sometimes hard to avoid hype when writing an unbiased review. Never more so, than in the case of Sidechained. This project is a collaboration between two of the hottest and most talked about artists to grace the Industrial scene in the past couple of years - who will, for the sake of a fair review, remain anonymous from here on.

Sidechained is a truly continental project - the two artists responsible are separated by a large chuck of Mainland Europe - in addition, neither of the artists has made anything that resembles Futurepop previously. This four track demo (to all extents and purposes) shouldn't work - or at least not be a success.

"Synthetic Life" which to most people familiar with Sidechained should be a familiar track (due to its heavy presence on the MySpace page), is the opener on this debut release, and instantly hits me with an accomplished beat, and the kind of vocals you expect from Futurepop - delivered with no element of strain or awkwardness.

"What Used To Be" is an early candidate for "Track of the album". Every album has a track where the intro just makes you sit up in earnest, like someone has just poured coffee into your veins - the vocals, again, impress me, and the synth that weaves throughout this track has the classic Futurepop sound that you come to expect from early VNV Nation, Covenant, and arguably, the 'Harmonizer' era of Apoptygma Berzerk.

Other highlights to this demo include the background loop that plays throughout "Lust", and the intro to "The Endless Beat" - a track that truly, truly lives up to its name.

If both of the artists involved here choose to make their name known, and come forward as the geniuses behind this CD, It will significantly boost their PR, and success in this field, as the level of diversity here is great.

Strong Points: Great Synth, Accomplished Vocals, Diversity
Weak Points: Vocal Mix is low, and lyrics aren't easy to comprehend. Lack of a stand out track. Oct 21 2010