The Birthday Massacre - Pins and Needles

Canadian The Birthday Massacre is one of those bands I've heard people talking about, read about in news and reviews, but since Gothrock is not one of those genres I generally dig myself into, The Last Dance as an exception, the band have not been rewarded with a listening from my side until now. They have made a couple of releases since the beginning of this millennium, so I have missed out on a few releases, therefore their latest album 'Pins and Needles' will be looked upon with a brand new pair of eyes.

For you out there, like me, that haven't heard The Birthday Massacre, it's probably best described as somewhat of a popish gothrock with inlays of electro. It is easy going enough to be a huge success on the general market, but alternative enough to be... alternative. It's far from a new concept, but never the less, still very compelling.

The singer Chibi has a beautiful voice and together with great melodies, both electronic and guitar based, it's not hard at all to simply enjoy the time you spend listening to it. The hum-along rating is off the charters, since I've unexpectedly started to hum on their melodies and tunes a couple of times of each day's 24 hours.

It's through and through a very well composed album where every track brings something to the table, but I do have some favourites, like "Always", "Shallow Grave", the title track "Pins and Needles" and "Two Hearts". However, the two tracks that stand out the most are "Control" and "Sideways", you better check them out.

The Birthday Massacre made a big impact on me and I will gladly follow their future work and on takings. Nov 12 2010