CYLiX - Alpha

A couple of years ago, the label Life Is Painful Records went off the scene and took a break. Usually, this means that the label often don't come back. But something made Life Is Painful Records change its mind. That something was Greek CYLiX and with their debut album 'Alpha' I have no trouble to see why.

CYLiX borders around artists like Assemblage 23, System Syn, Edge of Dawn and also a bit of later years Depeche Mode, especially in the 3rd track "Miles Divide" that easily could have been on "Playing The Angel" without anyone raising an eyebrow. It's a bit softer, but forceful electro with great melodies, vocals and song structure. I really like artists with powerful choruses and CYLiX surely has some of those. Since the album has been mastered by ex Front 242 member Len Lemeire, there's nothing at all to complain about when it comes to sound quality either.

'Alpha' is an album with few week points. But since the band has been active now for over 10 years, their experience is shining through. This is album is a solid buy, but if you want to check out a few tracks first, I suggest you listen to "So Much For Love", "Miles Divide", "Heal Me", "In My Veins" and "Deepest Fear". They are all solid electro tracks and a good resumé of the band.

There's also two remixes on this album. Lights of Euphoria has made a remix of "So Much For Love" and turned it in to a true "eyes closed on the dancefloor dancing away through the night" track. Psyche on the other hand has made a remix of "Heal Me" and this track could have been one of the best tracks of the album. They have slowed it down making it one of those beautiful songs you cry to. But something goes terrible wrong about five minutes into the track where guitars are added and suddenly the vocals are very, very, VERY false, pretty much destroying the experience. It's actually so bad I can't manage to listen to the last minute of it.

CYLiX has managed to resurrect Life Is Painful Records single handed, and there's no magic involved, simply a great album. Apr 14 2011