XP8 - Three of Three: Rubedo

The wait is finally over. XP8's final EP has hit, and this marks the end of them as an entity. Now, while many of you are overzealous with joy at the announcement that XP8 is gone, and I've even seen the repeated jokes and stabs towards Marco Visconti proclaiming that his negativity is finally out of the scene, I may be one of the few who are actually saddened by the finale of this two man act.

In all honesty, and without sarcasm, I will be missing Visconti's blunt and truthful words that always seem to have a shock and awe effect on the scene in general. His no-bullshit approach to laying down the line as he sees fits has led many to be thankful for his disappearance from the alternative dance scene, but I will certainly be missing it all. Everyone has an opinion; his just managed to cause more of a stir and controversy. And those inflammatory speeches are some of the best I've heard.

But, more than that, I will be missing his and Marko Resurreccion's creative love child that will forever be known as XP8. And I think this EP has made me sadder than ever to realize that they're gone for good. Another five tracks come in a twenty minute package, and it sounds like some of the best material I've heard from them thus far.

Not taking the time to have a cinematic build up, Dancing, Dying, Dreaming breaks out immediate trance influences with a bouncy beat. More than ever do the vocals feel passionate and sincere; perhaps it's the effect of just knowing that this is their final release, perhaps not. Whatever the case, the emotional presentation completely breaks through with fantastic effect.

XP8 Is Dead is mainly instrumental aside from the occasional vocal line speaking out the title of the song, while another smooth but pumping beat flows right through. Breaking out some guitar work, Egotism has speedier notes broken down to compliment that otherwise rough edge to the song, while Rust puts a focus on whispering, echoing vocals and a slightly mystical rhythm progresses forth. And, lastly, the rapid paced Your Love sends us off with great effect; the emphasis on speedy delivered drums gave the song an extra kick, while every other electronic asset was pulled off wonderfully.

But, indeed, that is the end of the EP, and as I stated previously, the end of XP8, as well. I don't know what more I can say here that shall topple any other words I have used previously in this review. It's good, it's great, it fucking rocked me as I listened to it. XP8 may be dead, but their music will forever hold a place within my soul. Good luck to both gentlemen on whatever they choose to do next. Feb 07 2015