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REVIEWS
ILLUMINATE
Kaleidoscope
Kristy Venrick & Steve Laskarides have producing their brand of dark,
reflective EBM as The Azoic for a good few years now & now look set
to make their long-overdue mark on the European scene with their first
European tour. Furthermore, they're doing it on the back of their best
album to date (their third, as it happens) as they've really got on top
of their game here with a succession of utterly infectious tracks with
a wide club appeal. From start to finish the music is punchier &
more infectious than ever while Kristy's vocals show a greater range
& depth, an asset that proves especially important in adding a strong
emotional touch to the excellent title track, the ambient chorus of which
has all the 'hands in the air' euphoria that any Ibiza anthem could wish
to attain while maintaining a strong melodic base. The preceeding single
"Conflict" is just as infectious, if slightly harder & Kristy again
adds a very human feel to the slower "Ever" before they turn in a totally
superb cover of Animotion's "Obsession" where Seabound's Frank Spinath
shares the vocal duties with Kristy. After getting into this in such a
big way I'm looking forward to their Infest gig more than ever so make
sure you don't miss 'em!
Carl Jenkinson - Kaleidoscope
Wrapped In Wire
Kristy Venrick and Steve Laskarides are back with what I feel is their best
work yet. The songs here are extremely infectious with fast paced futuristic
sci-fi electronic programming, manic beats, orchestrated melodies and Kristy's
excellent singing.
Some tracks are pure energetic EBM, while others are more upbeat electro-pop.
Each song has its own edge, and offer great structure, variety and choruses.
The complaints that I had with The Azoic's previous recording, such as the
songs sounding a little too similar to each other and too many remixes, are
not concerns on this CD. All of the songs on this album stand apart from each
other, and there's only one remix.
If you like modern club EBM with female vocals, this album is a must.
Darklight - Wrapped In Wire
DJ Genesis / Texas Goth Productions
This band grabbed my ear as soon as I put the CD in. The
synths on this album are just amazing. I haven't heard group use the
channels with their synths like The Azoic do in a long time. The beats will
grab you and make you want to get up and move. Some of the tracks are
massively ethereal and when I close my eyes I get a sense of being in
another realm. That's some damn good mastering there.
Let's look at the vocals now. Kristy's voice comes at you like an electronic
siren singing a song to lure you into the mists. The layering in the voice
projects her vocals across the music to come right out at you as well.
The first track, "Let Me Tell You Something" is a personal favorite. It's a
perfect way to start a killer album. It just grabs your ear and say exactly
what the title says, Let Me Tell You Something.
The title track to the album, "Illuminate" comes up from the depths in the
beginning to create an ethereal dreamscape until the drums kick in and then
it grabs you with a very pop-ethereal sound. The synths on it are very nice
and easy to stick in your head.
An instant club hit, track 8, "Obsession", a cover of the classic by
Animotion, is probably one of the best covers I've heard in awhile. As a DJ
I've been playing this in place of the original and I don't think I ever
want to hear it any other way now. As the track moves you can easily hear
the original style mixed with The Azoic's style and what comes out is a
track that screams get up and dance.
Track 11, "Passage", is one of the greatest ethereal sounding tracks I've
heard in awhile. I can easily hear this in a major movie productions
soundtrack. When closing my eyes, I can envision myself floating through a
passage rising upward from the earth to some unknown plane. The effects on
the synths and the whisps throughout the track help to add to that feel.
Right at halfway, the track dies away for a second and rises slowly up and
then explodes with a wave of sound that feels like you've just broken through
some unforeseen barrier and are gliding among the clouds looking down on the
world. Then the way it ends it almost feels as though you've floated gently
down and landed back upon the ground. I had to listen to this track a few
times when I got to it just because of the mood it set. It reminded me of
some of the music in the soundtrack for "The Neverending Story." In 5.1 this
track will just blow you away, I kid you not. I honestly have to say that
this track is addicting as is the entire album.
I'd have to say that this is one of the best albums I've gotten in a long
time and I look forward to future releases from The Azoic. If you've not
gotten this album, go and get it. If you're not satisfied, I'll pay for it
and then call you a fool.
DJ Genesis - Texas Goth Productions
Yet Another Electro Webzine
WOW was exactly the reaction we all had here at YAEW when we recently got the album CD
ILLUMINATE by american THE AZOIC in.
THE AZOIC makes explosive electropop! And it's a real illumination.
After their successful FORWARD + CONFLICT release (a maximum of 8 weeks at the
german alternative charts, peak position 3 (!)), THE AZOIC returns with
ILLUMINATE - a further cultivation of "The Azoic's" sound and style that will leave
you wanting more! A solid blend of electronic dance (encompassing
everything from trance to futurepop, industrial, techno, and synthpop).
11 passionate dance tracks, including a cover of Animotion's 80's hit "Obsession"
featuring a guest appearance from Frank Spinath of the german newcomerband
SEABOUND! Check out massive club hits such as "Let me tell you something",
"Illuminate", "Truth" or "Conflict". This album boasts 12 tracks, including a bonus
mix of "Conflict" as well as a cover of Animotion's Obsession. Going Under is a
beautiful song in which Kristy's vocals are very emotionally charged,
"Carve into You" has fascinating lyrics.
This album ILLUMINATE is certainly the best in it's class.
Yet Another Electro Webzine
Infest UK
The Azoic combine enticing beat heavy dramatic sounds and strong passionate
vocals, with an intense edge for the futurepop/dark synthpop market that
will definitely electrify.
Infest UK
Chain DLK
This U.S. duo's third and latest CD, Illuminate, is a very strong EBM/darkwave
release that is also firmly rooted in Euro-dance. Most of the tracks are
hard-hitting anthems with female vocals attractively and subtly woven in. The
title track, "Illuminate," stands out the most. The last number is an interesting
"medley" remix by cyberDJ of "Conflict," from Azoic's eponymous 2003 release on
Nilaihah Records (the original mix is included on this disc as well, for some reason).
"Ever" makes for a timely change-up midway through the CD. Its sinuous, sexy drum
pattern is a welcome respite from the relentless club tempo of the first five tracks.
It's my favorite moment on the disc--you can imagine stepping into a strip club for
one song, before returning to the dance club.... For you '80s throwbacks, track number
8 is a nicely done cover of "Obsession" by Animotion, and as far as the overall flow
is concerned it is an excellent choice.
Singer Kristy Venrick never strays beyond the bounds of good sense in her delivery,
and at times makes tasteful use of the vocorder. Her lyrics display many personal
themes--desire, obsession, devotion, loss of love and many emotions in between.
Musically, Steve Laskarides's programming is fiercely competent, and the production
is appropriately tight and professional.
Illuminate is full of good, solid, no-nonsense dance grooves that would mix well in
any club setting (and no doubt already has, by this time). I'd say that if The Azoic
can one day transcend the genres that this new CD pays homage to, they could be
unstoppable. The otherwise excellent CD insert design could have used a little
proofreading in the liner notes and lyric sheet.... Nonetheless, it amounts to a
terrific dancefloor wallop to the ears, and is a must-have if you are already a fan.
And your iTunes will love it, too.
Perry Bathous @ Chain DLK
Smother.net
[Editor's Pick]
"For those not suffering from attention deficit disorder, you'll
remember the heap of praise I dumped on their "Conflict"
single previously. Well the applause line continues on their follow-up
"Illuminate". Their passion is certainly darkwave in nature
but their knack for assembling a veneer of floor-filling club beats
is without peer. Kristy's vocals soar throughout each mix and
could easily be stand-alone a cappella and deliver the goods. But
with the almost mesmerizing blitz of keys and synth stabs peppering
the spicy grooves and thunderous beats, you've got yourself
a dark collection of insta-club favorites. 'Going Under's
bassline will instantly course through your veins and the programming
will usher forth a rush of adrenaline. Their cover of the huge '80's
hit 'Obsession' by the groovy synth-pop Animotion also
features a guest appearance by Seabound's Frank Spinath. Wow,
it doesn't get much better than this." -- J-Sin of Smother.net
Collected Sounds
"The Azoic is back, and they once again are illuminating our
worlds with addictive, nonstop beats that stick with us for hours
after we leave the party.
Following the release of the Conflict single/remix disc, Illuminate
will certainly light up any dance floor or environment in which
it is heard. The songs and the soundscapes are only getting better!
This album boasts 12 tracks, including a bonus mix of Conflict,
as well as a cover of Animotion's Obsession. My favorites include
Going Under, a song in which Kristy's vocals are very emotionally
charged, and Illuminate is another whirlwind song, containing elements
of ethereal trance. Kristy and Frank Spinath (of the German band,
Seabound) did an amazing job on Obsession with their "back
and forth" vocal arrangement, and it will surely be an "obsession"
among fans." --Sarah Bernardi of Collected
Sounds
DJ Kantrip
WOW! Amazing. I've been waiting about a year for this release and
I am not disappointed in the least. Kristy and Steve again deliver
hard pounding dance beats with powerful vocals that seem to ignite
in the air.
'Illuminate' opens with "Let Me Tell You Something,"
which they let everyone get a sneak listen to this past winter.'
Illuminate' then drops into a hardcore stompy industrial beat with
"Going Under" and "The One", and brings the
flowing dance rhythm back with "Illuminate". Tracks like
"Eternal" and "Ever" add a somber and atmospheric
element to the album and are well placed so the energy that's built
just doesn't suddenly drop off. Of course a major floor filler will
be the cover of Animotion's "Obsession" with Frank Spinath
of Seabound
Lyrically, the album is a lot more direct than 'Forward...' was.
Songs like "Not Justified" and "Lost" had a
very etheric or cryptic meaning to them, while "Going Under",
and "Truth" are very upfront about who they are talking
to (in theory) and what they are saying. This is what made "Conflict"
stand out so much from the other Azoic tracks that were getting
steady play around its release.
One thing about Nilaihah Records I've begun to expect is the inclusion
of remixes on the back end of almost everything they release. Right
after "Eternal", the Cyber DJ Medley remix of "Conflict"
which flows in and out of cuts from 'Forward...'
I knew from the start this would be one of my favorite albums of
the year when I heard the samples off of it, and I was not disappointed
in the least. I honestly can't wait to hear some of the remixes
that come out for the album. --DJ Kantrip
A Different Drum Weekly Update
This is the new, impressive album by one of the leading female-vocal
bands in the synthpop / futurepop world. Kristy's singular voice
fits right in with the pulsing electronics and clubby beats. The
band builds on their previous albums, but seems to add some force,
intensity, and slick production to bump it up a notch on "Illuminate".
This is a solid futurepop album that adds something new to the growing
genre.
WetWorks ezine
The Azoic are back! The brand new album entitled "Illuminate" (the first
full-length release since 2001's "Forward...") will soon be invading your local
club scene. I suggest you get it now! All the trademark electronic rhythms,
building Trance synth lines and pulsing dance floor beats are back on this
latest release. Kristy Venrick's vocals are as strong as ever, too. Just listen
to tracks like the infectious "Going Under" or the amazing "Illuminate." The
band even tossed on a fun, pop filled cover of the Animotion's 80's hit "Obsession"
which contains the vocals of Frank Spinath of Seabound. Frank and Kristy's vocals
play really well off each other and make "Obsession" one of the highlights of the disc.
If you enjoy the music of Assemblage 23 or VNV Nation but always wondered what these
acts would sound like with a strong female presence, then look no further than the
music of The Azoic. "Illuminate" might just very well be their best album to date.
You can decide for yourself though. Out now on Nilaihah Records.
(GunHed) --- WetWorks ezine
MotorCity Goths
The Azoic, which is Kristy Venrick from Columbus, Ohio, USA, and Steve Laskarides from
Phoenix, Arizona, USA, have been around for many years. They were making dark
experimental music for their first two albums, The Divine Suffering (1996) and Where
Broken Angels Lie (1998), but made a sudden change to the elektro/synthpop style in 2001
with their third album Forward. Forward itself was kind of static in its delivery --
every one of the seven original songs sounded quite similar, and all but one had Kristy
singing in almost exactly the same way (the one exception had Steve snarling over the
music). There were also too many remixes. However, The Azoic are not ones to stand
around and wait for things to happen, so they took three years to work on their newest
offering. So, did they succeed in making a good follow-up for their fourth full-album
effort?
I must resoundingly say, "YES, THEY DID!" From the hard-hitting opening track
"Let Me Tell You Something", until the closing track "Passage" (if you don't count
the DJ-medley of several remixes of "Conflict" and a few other pieces of earlier
Azoic works, at the end of the CD), the listener just stays hooked. Kristy and
Steve work together as a well-oiled machine no matter how many miles separate them,
it seems. The crème de la crème of this album happens in the form of its title track,
"Illuminate", with soaring epic trance leads and a very future-pop styled drum beat
and bassline -- and very good lyrics, too. That's one thing The Azoic has been doing
right for a while, their lyrics. I am just happy to see them putting those lyrics
with some very cool music.
Other tracks of note here are (and you would not believe how hard it is to pick
favourites beyond "Illuminate"!) "Conflict", the aforementioned "Let Me Tell You
Something", "Eternal" (replete with an interestingly vocoded Kristy), and "Obsession"
(cover of the 80's hit from Animotion, with Frank Spinath of Seabound helping out with
the vocals). "Ever" and "Passage" serve as the downtempo tracks, to show the audience
that yes, The Azoic can do slower songs, too. The tempo generally stays in the high
range for the rest of the album, but every track sounds different from one another,
so this isn't quite anything to worry about at all. Kristy puts on an exceptional
vocal performance throughout the entire CD as well!
The Azoic have finally pulled out all the stops and released the best album of
their career, and definitely one of the best of 2004. If this album is excellent
by my standards, then I honestly think that the next album they do will, again by
my standards, be nothing short of amazing. Hats off to Mr. Laskarides and Ms. Venrick!
Posted By: Pulse State @ Oct 21, 2004 -- MotorCity Goths
Side-Line Magazine (Checkline)
After a successful "Conflict" ep, the Azoic strikes back at full speed with an album that
mainly focuses on danceable and fresh ebm nicely punctuated by their characteristic
female vocals. If you liked the ep, you'll appreciate Illuminate although no other cut
manages to reach the same level of magic and intensity. The whole album tends thus to
be a bit boring and repetitive in the long run...
Benoit Blanchart
For some reason I have a soft spot for The Azoic, and especially Kristy's vocals.
Her voice is exceptionally sexy but yet extremely strong so that you get this
whole effect of dark melodic electro mixed with stark yet subtle female voices.
Although not every track succeeds in surprising me all along the way. I must say
that she has stolen my heart! Very entertaining release.
Bernard Van Isacker
This is finally the 4th full album of the band that counts some addicts in our
editorial office since the publishing of their last ep, "Forward+Conflict".
By the way, this last release was indicative of the musical direction of this
new record: impressive and wide rhythmics with some trance and electro accents,
a clear sound and alluring female vocals. All the ingredients to make an opus
to discover in emergency!
Cedric Wattergniaux
The strength of The Azoic is their capacity to manage with efficiency a full of
different influences like, trance, techno, ebm, and darkwave to create their own
style and sound. If their previous albums contained some club hits, "Illuminate" goes
one step further; each track is a potential club hit. Essential!
Patrick Falque
This American duo simply belongs to my favorites in the progressive electronic
underground style. Their new full-length simply confirms their knowledge and
ability to create fresh and hypnotic electronic structures driven by good danceable
beats and the enigmatic, into sensuality female vocals of Kristy Venrick. The "Conflict"-song
remains their absolute hit, but there's a lot to taste and enjoy here! An excellent
production!
Stephane Froidcoeur
all for Side-Line Magazine
Side-Line Magazine (October/November/December 2004 Top 10 - #2)
After 2 albums and the "Conflict"-maxi on Nilaihah Records, the American duo of The
Azoic signed to Infacted Recordings. The "Forward+Conflict" debut release has been
an amazing debut on the European market and here already comes the next chapter,
which is a new full length. Kristy Venrich and Steve Laskarides go on to explore the
wide fields of progressive EBM. The Azoic definitely belongs to the new generation
of body music, assembling fresh, techno-body hybrid bleeps driven by beating beating
bass drums, carrying choruses and talented vocal parts by K. Venrick. The debut cut
entitled "Let Me Tell You Something" perfectly holds on the style of their previous
work. It's an elaborated and achieved opening song! The next 2 pieces (cf. "Going Under"
and "The one") are holding onto the same ingredients of modern body vibes. The last
song is a bit more powerful and accentuated by the harsher male backing vocals. I
didn't really expect to find their absolute success song "Conflict" on this album
again. As "Conflict" didn't appear on any full-length so far, it's probably quite
logic so you don't hear me complain! This song remains an absolute topper, getting all
essential substances for a club killer! It's powerful, danceable, catchy and easy
reminding while the lyrics are just intriguing. The "Carve into you [edit 2003]" is
another familar track, you maybe know the song from the "Forward" album and the
"Forward+Conflict" release on Infacted as well. It's one more song towards progression,
featuring irresistible refresing bleeps and build up with a sad sounding melody.
If you're more into hypnotic acid vibes, "Truth" is another worth to listen.
K. Venrick here also explores the capacities of her voice and the less I can say is,
she's a real talented singer with a sensual timbre of voice. Another attention grabber
is the "Eternal"-song, which sounds a bit more into the style of Apoptygma Berzerk.
There's a typical body bass line running through the song, while I still like the kind of
vocoder effect on the male vocals. Last, but not least, there's the familiar "Obsession",
which has been already covered by Dive and Kirlian Camera. Well, the adaptation of The
Azoic sounds definitely cool. It remains a slow cut, but written by giant electronic
tones and clear male and female vocals. The Azoic just evolved towards maturity,
dealing with the future sound of EBM. They're definitely one of my absolute favorite
bands of the moment!
Stephane Froidcoeur
for Side-Line Magazine
ReGen Magazine
The Azoic have been steadily making a name for themselves in the electro scene since
1996. With their enticing blend of genres ranging from darkwave to synthpop to
industrial and EBM, combined with the passionate vocals of Kristy Venrick and the
pulsating electronics of Steve Laskarides, The Azoic is poising itself to be one of
the best bands in the electronic underground. As mainstays on America’s Nilaihah
Records, the group recently signed with European label Infacted Recordings, which
led to the release of Forward + Conflict, a collection of old and new tracks for
the European market. Now, they give listeners their latest album, Illuminate.
Like Forward + Conflict, this album is a collection of old and new, with new songs
interspersed with favorites like "Conflict" and an edit of "Carve into You", the
latter of which features Steve’s vocals in modern synthpop fashion. While the band
is known for blending differing styles of electronic music, they seem to have taken
a turn toward the synthpop EBM style that has pervaded much of the electro scene
(primarily in the form of futurepop imitators). All the elements of past material
are present, but honed and refined to create a sound that is both appealing to
first-time listeners, yet still identifiable as The Azoic. There are still the gothic
melodies and melancholy atmospheres, effectively offset by a heavier presence of
dance beats and distorted synth lines. Heavy layers of synthesizers wash beneath
Kristy’s vocals, which show some interesting computerized flourishes on the album
opener "Let Me Tell You Something" and the title track. They even follow a common
trend in electronic music to cover a song from the ‘80s; in this case, the Animotion
song "Obsession", on which Seabound’s Frank Spinath lends some supporting vocals.
The soft instrumental "Passage" closes things off with a nice array of dance beats
and synthesizer melodies.
All in all, it is the same formula that has gained The Azoic their place in the scene.
This proves to be both a strength and a weakness; a strength in its consistency and
its ability to hold up to past material as well as to the other electro heavyweights,
but a weakness in its lack of freshness. The music is familiar territory, even for
The Azoic. The focus has shifted, but the elements are the same, which ultimately
leads to a sense of "been there, done that". There is no shortage of entertainment
value, for this is a very competent and enjoyable album. However, with much of the
electronic scene in danger of falling into stagnation, The Azoic does not seem to
be pushing any barriers to give their music the edge to rise above the drivel.
However, if that does not bother listeners, then this album is sure to please.
ReGen Magazine
Dark Realms Magazine
The Azoic have released an impressive array of EBM songs guaranteed to propel them
to the top of underground dance clubs for quite some time. While this is a beat heavy
release to dance the night away, the lyrics delve into heartbreak and angst to really
flesh out and purge the emotions with pinpoint precision. As the album title suggests,
these are songs to open the eyes of the listener to uncover the truth, regardless of
the outcome.
Vocalist Kristy Venrick has a bit of an electronic effect on the vocals that works
marvelously. Composer Steve Laskarides also lends his vocals more prominently than
fans have heard in the past. Jointly, Venrick and Laskarides take EBM to the next
level of sonic development.
Let Me Tell You Something makes you want to dance all over the room, however, the
lyrical content is that of one who has simply had enough with the fool in their life.
Going Under is destined to slam across dance floors worldwide while lyrically we are
exposed to the sentiment of feeling internally torn at a new found realization that
makes us numb.
The One is an anthem for everyone who ever had a relationship go wrong due to lies,
deceit and betrayal. The title track Illuminate continues in a similar vein with
the bittersweet moment when our eyes are fully opened and we are not living in denial.
A special treat here is a cover of the 80's hit Obsession, which The Azoic deliver
for the modern underground dance age. Impressive and HIGHLY recommended!
Mike Ventarola -- Dark Realms Magazine
Morbid Outlook
Heavy, synth driven, drum ‘n’ bass loops with sexy female vocals for the most part.
There are some male vocals as well, generally malformed by electronic manipulation.
Overall it made me feel sweaty and horny, but not in a bad way (is that good?).
The vocals, especially the female, have a certain emotional viability that is, for
me, often utterly lacking in this sort of music.
There is one instrumental offering of prettiness swathed in huge string pads that
put me in mind of Frank Zappa’s 'ointment with little bells' assessment of new-age
music, there in case you feel the need to relax in the hot tub in between dancing
your ass off at the party I suppose. I found myself enjoying some tracks, while being
more or less indifferent to others. In all fairness though, I don’t favor the
club/dance genre much to begin with, except for the kinds of things someone like
St Eve will do with (or to) it...so take this review with a grain of salt. If
this genre is your cup of tea, then this group is probably better than many.
Andrew Fenner -- Morbid Outlook
The Other Paper (Columbus)
Purists may scoff that the biggest band from a town forged on high-revving
indie rock doesn't even play guitar, but the Azoic is a leader in the international
EBM music scene. What's more, vocalist Kristy Venrick runs Nilaihah Records,
possibly the leading local label. The duo, rounded out by Steve Laskarides, in
celebrating the release of 'Illuminate,' a disc brimming with processed vocals,
synthetic beats and organic melodies. You'll never miss the guitars!
The Other Paper
A Different Drum
This is a totally solid album from a band that's probably the best in it's class--
female vocals with an intense edge for the futurepop / dark synthpop market. Danceable
and dramatic.
Todd Durrant @ A Different Drum
Gothtronic
The Azoic makes explosive electropop with influences from EBM, trance
and industrial. The music is quite bombastic, with heavy beats, warm
synthsounds and accessible hooks. The tracks are catchy. They are also
good. Sometimes it all is overwhelmingly slick and polished. Which is not
bad at all, only after listening to a cd full of these kind of tracks you want to
listen to something else again. This doesn’t mean this is a bad release, on the
contrary. ‘Going Under’ has nice industrial sounds. ‘The One’ and
‘Illuminate’ show perfectly well which qualities vocalist Kristy is blessed
with. She has a very good voice without any doubt. ‘Conflict’ we already
knew of the EP and this is a song suitable for a single. The secret hitsong of
this album however is the cover version of this Animotion track ‘Obsession’
that Kristy sung together with Frank Spinath of Seabound. This is a lovely
coversong that also invites to go and dance. 'Carve into You' has fascinating
lyrics. ‘Eternal’ is also a good song that need to be mentioned. The Azoic is
a must have for fans of for instance VNV Nation, Assemblage 23 or XP8.
TekNoir @ Gothtronic
The Azoic is very strong in combining great female voices and danceable,
well-written, electropop songs. Songs like 'Let Me Tell You Something', the
single 'Conflict' (there is also a CyberDJ medley present on this record),
‘Going Under’, ‘The One’ and 'Illuminate’ are piece by piece great dance
floor fillers. 'Illuminate' however also has a more intimate character and is
therefore also nice to listen to at home when your sitting on your couch or -
even better - are driving in your car. 'Ever' proves that they can write songs
with a more quieter pace and 'Obsession’ shows that they have the ability to
cover a song as well. The best songs are however the ones with the most
beats per minute and pitiful enough the CD leaves over all a somewhat
one-sided impression. Every electropop fan should however buy this album,
because there is enough to listen on ‘Illuminate'.
Beautevil @ Gothtronic
Gothic Paradise
It's been three long years since the release of Forward... and a year since
the teaser single Conflict came out. Fans of this group will no doubt be extremely
excited about this release after such a long wait. This long-hoped-for follow-up to
the more EBM/Techno friendly sound of Forward... is a great continuation of the long
and promising career of this duo.
The overall tempo and mood of this album is one of pounding, fun music that really
keeps you moving. Each time I listen to this album it's hard to stop if I can't listen
to it all in one sitting. The music never ceases to keep my body moving too as the
pounding beats and catchy rhythms pulsate and penetrate. Listeners that are familiar
with this group should hear a lot of similar styles present, yet expanding into a
little more techno-friendly music with a heavy edge, definitely plenty of bass and
that solid beat. "Let Me Tell You Something" kicks this album off and is the first
to really jump into this atmosphere of wonderful experimental trancey elements.
Throughout the song, vocals and instruments crossfade across stereo chanels back and
forth filling the room with great effects and sound.
This is just the tip of the iceburg as you delve into the other tracks you of course
hit the slightly harsher and more industrial track "Conflict" which has proved to a
be a fan and club favorite since the release of the single. Along with the album
ersion there is also a special bonus track mixing several of the remixed versions
into a special mix called the "cyberDJ Medley". This is fun to hear how it all mixes
together and is well done, especially if it took place in a live setting.
There are a couple of tracks that slow the tempo down a bit and definitely bring down
the overall mood and feeling in the form of "Ever" and the lush instrumental "Passage".
Each maintain a solid electronic sound, but slow down the pace and bring out raw
emotional power. Steve contributes his vocals on the incredibly melodic piece "Eternal".
All of these variable elements and piece provide for great variety and a great overall
album.
There are so many more things to relate about this album. It has to be one of the
funner discs I've picked up lately that is just plain and simple, fun to listen to.
The layered textures of the title-track with Kristy's vocals taking on a beauty that
isn't very typical in the electronic dance genres bring out another nice element in
the album. Of course I can't leave out the cover of the popular 80's cover "Obsession"
orginally written and performed by Animotion. Frank Spinath of Seabound contributes
his vocals for a nice duet between he and Kristy. They add a nice modern EBM sound
while remaining true to the overall style of the original for a nice cover.
Once again The Azoic has proved the great results that come of hard work and talent.
This album is highly commended to those that can really enjoy music and have fun.
Rating: 4.5/5
Gothic Paradise
Gothic Paradise
It's been three long years since the release of Forward... and a year since
the teaser single Conflict came out. Fans of this group will no doubt be extremely
excited about this release after such a long wait. This long-hoped-for follow-up to
the more EBM/Techno friendly sound of Forward... is a great continuation of the long
and promising career of this duo.
The overall tempo and mood of this album is one of pounding, fun music that really
keeps you moving. Each time I listen to this album it's hard to stop if I can't listen
to it all in one sitting. The music never ceases to keep my body moving too as the
pounding beats and catchy rhythms pulsate and penetrate. Listeners that are familiar
with this group should hear a lot of similar styles present, yet expanding into a
little more techno-friendly music with a heavy edge, definitely plenty of bass and
that solid beat. "Let Me Tell You Something" kicks this album off and is the first
to really jump into this atmosphere of wonderful experimental trancey elements.
Throughout the song, vocals and instruments crossfade across stereo chanels back and
forth filling the room with great effects and sound.
This is just the tip of the iceburg as you delve into the other tracks you of course
hit the slightly harsher and more industrial track "Conflict" which has proved to a
be a fan and club favorite since the release of the single. Along with the album
ersion there is also a special bonus track mixing several of the remixed versions
into a special mix called the "cyberDJ Medley". This is fun to hear how it all mixes
together and is well done, especially if it took place in a live setting.
There are a couple of tracks that slow the tempo down a bit and definitely bring down
the overall mood and feeling in the form of "Ever" and the lush instrumental "Passage".
Each maintain a solid electronic sound, but slow down the pace and bring out raw
emotional power. Steve contributes his vocals on the incredibly melodic piece "Eternal".
All of these variable elements and piece provide for great variety and a great overall
album.
There are so many more things to relate about this album. It has to be one of the
funner discs I've picked up lately that is just plain and simple, fun to listen to.
The layered textures of the title-track with Kristy's vocals taking on a beauty that
isn't very typical in the electronic dance genres bring out another nice element in
the album. Of course I can't leave out the cover of the popular 80's cover "Obsession"
orginally written and performed by Animotion. Frank Spinath of Seabound contributes
his vocals for a nice duet between he and Kristy. They add a nice modern EBM sound
while remaining true to the overall style of the original for a nice cover.
Once again The Azoic has proved the great results that come of hard work and talent.
This album is highly commended to those that can really enjoy music and have fun.
Rating: 4.5/5
Gothic Paradise
GothicInfo.net
September 2004 saw the release of Illuminate, The Azoic's fourth full length
album and their sixth official release. With this record, The Azoic says they
'have taken their sound even further.' Not even questioning whether they have
done so, they in fact managed to create an album with over an hour of really
danceable music. Even before you have listened to it, the danceability of the
music on this album is made clear by stating not only the length of the tracks,
but also the beats per minute of each separate track. We are promised a cd
with mostly 140 beats per minute.
With this album, Kristy, Steve and Yana do not appear to be challenging the
listeners, musically speaking. Instead, their main focus seems to be to create
music that is easy to listen to and that people want to hear. But, since that's
what people want, it can hardly be called a bad thing. Although some may claim
surprising changes in melody give music just that little extra, consistency is
what it takes to become a hit in the club scene. And once it did become a hit,
there's always the possibility of remixing the whole lot to add some surprising
twists, as the cyber DJ medley of Conflict proves on this track, where for
instance some slower parts are inserted into the generally fast track.
So, although the album may seem a little dull for those people who have been
into the genre for quite a while already, it's certainly a nice record on the
dance floor. And especially when listening to the record at home, the American
trio built in some resting points with slower tracks in the form of Ever and
Passage, where you can catch your breath after being unable to stop moving
those feet, head and possibly other body parts whilst sitting in front of
your computer screen.
Jurjen @ GothicInfo.net
Synthpop.net
This new 2004 album follows the release of the 2003 single "Conflict", which was a
absolutely stunning and magnificent EBM-pop song. At the time of that single's
release it was a real wake-up call to the new sound and style of The Azoic, and
left me and most anyone else who enjoyed it wanting more. Well, it took a little
while, but the accompanying album is finally here, and Illuminate doesn't disappoint.
From the first track "Let Me Tell You Something", it is immediately plain that
"Conflict" was not a aberration, but a indication of a new, incredibly high standard
that The Azoic have set for themselves. It's insanely catchy, has enough punch to it
to easily please the club crowd, and some really neat synth work to boot. The
following tracks only serve to reinforce that idea: this album is a extremely
impressive dance epic. While not every track is quite the dancefloor packing material
of "Conflict" and "Going Under" (case in point with "Ever"), even the slower tracks
are highly engaging. Particularly interesting were the tracks "The One" and "Eternal",
where Steve, the other member of The Azoic, steps forward to take the lead vocal role.
While usually distorted or processed in some way, it's still a neat alternate approach
to the vocals.
It's difficult to describe just how impressive this album is. The Azoic have created
a album here that will have you dancing, singing along, and wanting to play it again
over and over. It's definitely in the top 5 best releases of 2004 in my book, and I
heartily recommend you give it a listen!
Jason Baker @ Synthpop.net
Starvox.net
The Azoic are kicking ass and taking names! Here is a collection of songs lyrically
delving into the nonsense of relational game playing and overcoming the mind screw and
torment left behind. Now take these same lyrics, run them through heavy duty electronic
vocal processing and fuse them with the trademark Steve Laskarides beat driven
pulsations and one has a sure fire winner in their midst.
Vocalist Kristy Venrick put her heart on her sleeve when composing these tracks in
the anticipation that her learning process would help to "illuminate" others. When one
thinks of illumination, often we misleading assume that it should inspire us to
something that is positive. Sometimes, illumination takes the form of waking up to
one's own denial and excuses within the framework of a relationship. Sometimes it
means waking up and realizing that something we have been striving for is a wasted
effort.
Nevertheless, whatever form illumination may take with listeners, be assured that
these tracks will leave dancers breathless on the club floors and home-party people
in awe with the sonic potency delivered through their home stereo speakers. In spite of
the intensity of the heartbreak of some of these lyrics, the percussive fulmination
simply makes you want to move and move a LOT.
Along with these tracks, we are also given a remake of the classic New Wave song,
Obsession, done expertly for the modern era. We are also given a bit of a tease with
Laskarides' hand at vocals on The One, which is hopefully something that shall continue
in the future as both Venrick and Laskarides make the song come fully alive with their
harmony. If you are seeking out potent dance music with beats per minute that
are pretty much off the charts, do seek out Illuminate.
Mike Ventarola @ Starvox.net
Gothic Beauty Magazine
It is hard to be a critic when you are dancing non-stop. Illuminate grabs up
the pounding beats, the glitchy switches, pitch shifts and floor-filling formulas,
and clicks them together in a perfect mosaic like an interactive game. It's not all
addictive beats and adrenaline, either, for which the critic is grateful; even the
heaviest dance trance is a more sublime experience when the lyrics connect with
feelings and insight. Kristy Venrick pulls off digitally treated vocals without
mechanizing the emotion out of them; she sounds even better without the robotics
in the title track. Most of the lyrics, as in "Conflict", fit perfectly like puzzle
pieces amid the saturation of programming; "Truth" was irresistible, a straightforward
futurepop track delivered with excellent aim.
Carolee @ Gothic Beauty Magazine
Sick Among The Pure
The duo of Kristy Venrick and Steve Laskarides shines in their latest 2004 release,
Illuminate. The opening track, "Let Me Tell You Something," sets the powerful mood
with Kristy’s seductive, resonating vocals, strong Electronic Dance rhythms and
forceful lyrics. As the chorus illustrates: "Let me tell you something / I won’t
be pushed around / It’s my life I will not give up that easy / You cannot break me down,"
she - and the band - stand firm in principle. In honor, in pride: a stoic presence to
be reckoned with.
"Going Under" is one of their darker tracks, in my opinion. It sounds edgy,
futuristic, with a crunchy, frantic undercurrent that drags you down into the song.
I love the intrusive male "It is done," for it carries a tone of danger. "The One"
also employs a union of male and female vocals, but in this song, it feels more Dark
Rave-influenced.
In the title track, "Illuminate," a smoother style emerges, with her ethereal vocals
rising higher and higher in the sky, with the rich bubbly essence of Future Pop.
"Conflict" - both the single and CyberDJMedley version - weaves together a complexity
of rhythms. Altogether EBM, Future Pop, Synth pop, and Electro Trance. As you dance,
you’ll feel as dizzy as the lyrics suggest, and I mean this in the most positive
way. "Conflict" sweeps you away.
The tempo slows in "Ever," a beautiful echoic ballad. "Truth" continues the heavenly
breadth of their talents, in the range of her voice, the emotive songwriting and the
pleasing synthetic beats. For 80’s Animotion fans, Frank Spinath of Seabound makes
a guest appearance for the fun cover of "Obsession."
"Carve Into You" is the light-side of Electro-Industrial. If only the song explored
the harder drumming a bit more to match the harsher lyrics ("You rape to annihilate"),
but the wailing siren, faster synth-riffs and a huskier warbling work well.
"Eternal" does embrace the Industrial beats, but I don’t care as much for the
computerized male vocals that transcend the song into Future Pop.
"Passage" reigns as the sole instrumental on Illuminate. It evokes melancholy and hope.
All in all, fans of The Azoic will love Illuminate; the sound has evolved, matured;
yet Kristy and Steve still approach music-making with a fresh light touch.
Teri A. Jacobs @ Sick Among The Pure
back to The Azoic - Illuminate ________________________________________________________________________
FORWARD + CONFLICT
Pendul
This is the first European release of US female fronted Electro club-friendly
band The Azoic. The product reunites their full album Forward… and the maxi-single
Conflict collection of some psyche remixes done by other artists from the same
musical area. Fifteen tracks that include also previously unreleased material
that fit with the rest of the record are to be heard on this CD. What we have
here is a mixture of modern sounds and club-flavour tunes, the styles ranging
from EBM, Powernoise to dancing Synthy-Pop and Trance vibrations. Their Electro
Poppy melodic side is in many moments quite catchy and turns out to have a
breaking Subpop interludes or even Industrial Heavy hybrids of electronic
basslines. The remixes are signed by Iris, Negative Format, Imperative Reaction,
Massiv In Mensch, System Syn, Assemblage 23, Flesh Field, Oneiroid Psychosis
and CombiChrist (side project of internationally acclaimed Icon Of Coil), all o
f them being reorchestrated and redone in mesmerizing symbiosis. With fiery
voice and mature dark influences on filtered male vocals the album is switching
between attractive and etherised beat-driven rhythms, pounding phase loops,
punchy synthetic assaults and seductive passages of cold repetitive Industrial
sequences. In this regards, Not Justified and Lost are two Future Pop electros
that will chill out some Techno-freaks out there!
Julius von Sammaël - Pendul
Industrial Nation
The remix album is the sonic equivalent to riding a barrel over Niagara Falls;
the odds of success are slim, but if you do succeed, the rewards can be great.
A good remix on its own is hard to come by. An album full of them?
Near impossible. Darkwave/electro darlings The Azoic decided to test the
waters by putting together an album full of remixes by the likes of Assemblage 23,
Iris, Flesh Field, and others. The result is an album packed with wall-to-wall
club beats. Darkwave is completely off the menu, while the thumping beats of
techno and EBM take over. The turmoil mix of "Conflict," constructed by The
Azoic’s own Steve Laskarides, sets the bar high as the album’s leadoff, and
provides a solid dance mix that easily overpowers the offers that follow.
This is notable because the tracks "Carve Into You (2003 Edit)," "Not Justified,"
and "Redemption," weren’t touched by anyone outside the band. Points go to Iris
and CombiChrist for their commendable remixes of "Conflict." Negative points
go to Assemblage 23 for electronically manipulating Kristy Venrick’s voice in
the exact same way Cher’s was in her dreadful pop chart-topper "Believe."
Automatic disqualification. For the most part, the remixes on Forward + Conflict
would make a welcome addition to any club set. However, the overuse of the same
type of beats quickly becomes repetitive when listening to the album in one
sitting. For a remix album it’s a solid effort, although it’s best kept on
the dancefloor.
Ryan Hill - Industrial Nation
Side-Line
This is the first European release of the American The Azoic. I’m
sure lots of Europeans have already discovered this band on different
sampler contributions and maybe put their finger on their American
albums “Forward” and “Where broken angels lie”
or the amazing Mcd “Conflict.” While I personally remember
to have even gotten their demo entitled “The divine suffering”,
which was into poorly inspired electro-gothic stuff, this band literally
metamorphosed to reinvent their own sound and style! The Azoic became
for sure one of the coolest electronic combo’s I’ve heard
in years, striving for modernism, combining an EBM basis together
with techno-like and future-pop ingredients. There’s an amazing
power emerging of their work while the female vocals of Kristy Venrick
are adding a particular sensual and charismatic touch! Most of the
tracks have been remixed by famous and other promising formations
like CombiChrist, Assemblage 23, Massiv In Mensch, Negative Format,
Flesh Field, God Module etc… like they say in France, ‘du
beau monde’! It’s a long time ago I get that excited by
listening to an entire album, but track after track, the power and
danceable aspect of the music emerges out of the speakers. Well,
it’s also due to the good job of the remixers, but when the
original version is already great, the job of any other band working
on a remix will become easier! The “Conflict”-song remains
probably my favorite and especially the remixes of Massiv In Mensch
and Negative Format. Both bands are adding their own progressive
and trance sound, resulting in mind-blowing mixes! There’s
no doubt about it, this is the EBM sound of tomorrow, but tomorrow
starts now with The Azoic! Notice by the way that the other remixes
of “Conflict” by The Azoic [Turmoil mix], Combichrist
and Iris are more than simply great! Other remarkable contributions
are coming from Assemblage 23, making a robotic-dance version of
“Progression” and hard-hitting “Dillusional mix”
of “Evolution” by Flesh Field. The previously unreleased
edition of “Carve into you” is a bit darker, but holding
on the same EBM progressive aspect! And once again, I’m falling
in love with the cold and sensual vocals of Kristy. Her voice sounds
a bit like Patrice of Regenerator, but with much more power and
volume. While a new full length is announced during the year, this
will be an opportunity to discover a very talented duo that will
soon increase the popularity of Infacted Recordings and establish
the name of The Azoic on the European card! Thanks for these moments
of EBM-reverie! --(DP:9/10 CMF:8)DP, Side-Line
Gothtronic
The Azoic is a electropop / EBM project from Columbus, Ohio and
this is her European debut cd on the German Infacted Recordings.
The Azoic released records before in the US. 'Forward' and in 2003
the EP 'Conflict'. Tracks of that release with additional remixes
are now compiled on 'Forward+Conflict' in order to conquer the European
Market. The first track 'Conflict' is a nearly perfect futurepop
track that's also energetic and therefore will be perfect for the
dancefloor. 'Conflict' is a neat song with heavy punding beats and
strong vocals by singer Kristy. Kristy proves to be a gifted vocalist
in passages in songs like 'Carve into You', 'Redemption', 'Lost'
and especially the splendid 'Progression', on this cd represented
by the briljant remix of Assemblage 23. Title track 'Conflict' is
represented on this cd in various remixes made by acts like Combichrist,
Massive in Mensch, Negative Format and US synth talent Iris. The
remixes of Combichrist and Iris are most well done. God Module made
a nice remix of 'Progression', but this is still nothing that special
compared to the mix done by Assemblage 23. Flesh Field finally,
could remix 'Evolution' which turned out to be a dark electro track
very much in the vein of their well known style. This is a excellent
European debut cd of a band that's able to write really good songs
and to enhance them with the perfect dance beats to add some more
spice without sounding like just another futurepop band. The Azoic
should be very happy with a vocalist like Kristy, one of the best
female vocalists in the electro / ebm scene. This cd is a absolute
recommendation and makes me very curious for the full length album
'Illuminate' , to be released in 2004. (8/10) -- TekNoir, Gothtronic
When the boxes vibrate, when you open your ears and when the couch
isn't comfortably anymore than you have to deal with a good song.
The first notes of 'Conflict' put you in a forward direction and
when Kristy Venrick prove to have a good fitting (female) voice
than there's no holding back. The music is a combination of driven
EBM with some synthpop influences (especially in the way the songs
are written). The second time you hear 'Conflict' it's taken through
a blender by Combichrist. The end result is heavier, but due to
the voice of Kristy still recognisable. 'Carve Into You' and 'Progression'
got the same elements as 'Conflict'. Well thought of theme's, danceable
and with the familiar voice of Kristy. With 'Not Justified' the
trick gets a bit too familiar and the remixes of songs like 'Conflict',
'Progression' and 'Evolution' (with the voice of the man behind
the machines, Steve Laskarides) don't seem to promise too much as
well. Thankfully The Azoic knows to surprise with every other song
and every remix seem to add something new to the original and the
earlier remixes. "Forward - Conflict" is therefore a successful
attempt to get the attention from the European market. (7.5/10)
-- Beautevil, Gothtronic
Synthpop.net
I was introduced to The Azoic through the Venusa XX compilation
series, and then after hearing them again on the State Of Synthpop
2003 compilation. So, I was finally convinced to give their album
a try. "Forward..." is a transitional album for the band, as they
state in the liner notes, it's a shift in musical focus for the
band. The band previously had a more darkwave oriented sound on
the previous two albums, but has taken a more EBM / Industrial Dance
slant to their music starting with this release. This album has
been re-released in Europe by Infacted Records, with added tracks
from the "Conflict" single. Listening to this CD over several times,
I found myself thinking that it would really appeal to fans of Assemblage
23's heavier material. This band certainly incorporates the harder,
harsher sounds of Industrial Music into their material, with "Redemption"
at times sounding like it's morphed into a Noise track. It's a very
enjoyable CD, but best suited I think for those days when you feel
rotten and want some music to commiserate with. The remixes presented
here pretty much are what you'd expect from each remixer. The only
one that I knew nothing about was Oneiroid Psychosis, and their
mix is a more mid-tempo, slow but still forceful take on the track
in question ("Progression") that I quite enjoyed. Basically, if
you have heard and enjoyed any of The Azoic's tracks on a compilation
before, you're probably going to really like this album as well.
If you haven't heard the band's material before, and the idea of
a female-fronted Industrial/Electro band sounds appealing, you'll
probably enjoy this too. -- Jason Baker for Synthpop.net
ElectroGothic.com
After a two successful albums, "Forward" and "Conflict", finally
the new album, "Forward + Conflict" arrives thanks to
Infacted-Recordings. This album includes both previous releases
merged into one with a couple of unreleased tracks to spice the
album up. The album includes mixes by CombiChrist(Icon of Coil side
project), Assemblage 23, GOD MODULE, IRIS, Massiv in Mensch and
so many others. After poping this one into my CD-player, I had high
hopes...after 75 minutes of hard electro/industrial beats, I was
absoultely satisfied. Hard beats accompanied by sweet female vox,
what a mix! All the remixes are really good and its rather difficult
to pick out any favorites, which is a good achievement for all the
bands involved! Overall a fine release and a must for fans of Electro/Industrial/EBM.
Plenty of club material on this release to satisfy many a dance
floor! It should also be noted that Kristy (vocalist) has finished
recording vocals for Epsilon Minus, Dekoy(Who was featured on Gothica),
Parallel Project(Negative Format S/P) and Neuroactive. All CD release
dates are slated for early 2004. With such demand for Kristy's talent,
I believe that this release will further stamp The Azoic's Authorotaa!
on the underground scene! -- ElectroGothic.com
Music Non Stop
First European release from US electropop act THE AZOIC combines their full length
album ( ''Forward'' ) and maxi single ( ''Conflict'' ) with previously unreleased
exclusive material at a special price. THE AZOIC offer powerful, club-friendly
electropop, multi-facetted, danceable with melodic and catchy choruses. This release
is not just a combination of their last two American releases but contains also a
number of previously unreleased EXCLUSIVE tracks and remixes ! In total 15 track
including collaborations and remixes from COMBICHRIST ( Icon of Coil ), ASSEMBLAGE 2
3, NEGATIVE FORMAT, FLESH FIELD and GOD MODULE.
Music Non Stop
Legends Magazine
Since the band’s inception in Columbus, Ohio 1996, The Azoic
continue to produce these crisp club sounds that gel inside the
Sunday morning mind and truly appear to be an unstoppable band that
looks forward to future projects so they can develop their sound
even more. With eight released albums to date, we can firmly admit
that this band has evolved into a band that other Gothic industrial
dance bands can and should look up to for direction in developing
their own sound, or at least try out new techniques for layering
virgin tracks.
Conflict
is a rather short EP compiled of the song Conflict in all
eight various measures including one multi media video. This is The
Azoic’s version of how to change up one lonely song. You have your
album version of course from what the others are spawned from and
then you have your other seven-tagged mixes describing how the album
version was changed.
For instance, with the Combi Christ mix, your going to hear
chanting about vocalist Kristy Venrick’s belief in Christ with
lyrics like, “Keep my perspective straight, keep me away from hate,
keep my eyes uncovered” while a distorted repetition of Conflict
is the pervasive music setting. The Massiv In Mensch mix is
light with sweet vocal tracks laid out where most of the dynamics
occur in the song. Though the other mixes are short renditions to
appreciate, you’ll find the original album mix to be the better one
since the song is played in its entirety and leaves the body of
sound in tact.
Steve Laskarides is credited for the track mixing and vocal track
layout, which is done in a polished manner, found most importantly
while mixing Venrick’s vocals. All the vocal tracks in each mix are
smooth with an eerie essence to provide the Gothic nature. I think
the layered electronics mixed with the distorted noise and Venrick’s
voice, is beautiful and really an oddity when considering the most
new indie techno seems to just lay around with an absence of texture
for dancing. The multi media video contains a music video for
Conflict (album version) and a hearty selection of live photos,
press photos, lyrics and other entertaining fodder to dig while
you’re listening to the album.
Review
by May Wiseman for Legends Magazine
back to The Azoic - Forward + Conflict
________________________________________________________________________
CONFLICT
Smother.net
[Editor's Pick]
"Precisely what I`ve been looking for! A dancy darkwave band
that is passionate yet heavy on the dancefloors. This single features
eight different mixes and showcases the talent of The Azoic. Just
listen to how melodic the female voices are! I want to hear more!
Now! And so will you. No dancefloor will be complete without this
elite EBM/industrial dance single." -- J-Sin of Smother.net
Synthpop.net
This single for "Conflict" followed the
release of the "Forward.." album in the US, and was later
to have several tracks from it incorporated into the European release
of "Forward..". On the MCD, there are 8 total versions
of the title track, as well as a CD-Rom video for the track that
is very, very slick.. I could easily see this video on MTV2 (since
MTV hardly plays videos anymore).
"Conflict" in it's original form was a hard-hitting Industrial
Dance-pop track, and the remixes only emphasize that aspect of the
song on this MCD. It was a very powerful and passionate song to
begin with, but several of these remixes up the ante on even the
level of emotion in the song. I really love the turmoil mix by the
band, but so many of the remixes are great in their own right. Iris'
mix gives a very cool electropop feel to the song, and Massiv In
Mensch is a awesome club track. About the only remix I had issues
with was the Negative Format remix, and my only note there was that
the mix, at 7 &1/2 minutes, was a little overly long. Otherwise,
this is a excellent single. The Azoic made great choices in assembling
the remixers for this single, and it shows in the quality of the
mixes. I can recommend this single without hesitation.. do yourself
a favor and snag a copy! -- Jason Baker for Synthpop.net
Industrial Nation
"The Azoic's latest single, 'Conflict,' offers seven remixes
of the infectiously catchy title track. Although the idea of 44
minutes of the same song is usually a recipe for utter boredom,
that isn't the case here. Kristy's vocals provided the seven remixers
a variety of directions to explore while the nature of the songwriting
itself had more than enough melody to play with. The Azoic also
did a fantastic job in selecting their remixers. They purposely
opted out of getting a huge name on the bill in favor of some of
the best programmers in the scene. Andy LaPlegua, Andrew Sega and
Alex Mathau all live up to their repulations as Icon of Coil, Iris
and Negative Format respectively, providing solid mixes.
The disc is also loaded with little extras. The multimedia track
comes with a music video and a host of pictures and lyrics. The
Azoic even installed a little thank you note to their fans in the
CD text. Overall, they did a fantastic job in the execution of the
single, which should hold us over until the release of their anticipated
full length, 'Illuminate.'" -- pHil.PTI of Industrial
Nation
Side-Line
"The Azoic are back with an addictive little sample of what's
to come on their new album, "Illuminate." Released in July the new
single, "Conflict" is a song about the pain of understanding and
dealing with one's inner strife. They advance their sound using
the usual juxtaposition of hard beats along with the strong synth
melodies and Kristy's beautiful vocals. Plus, not only do they add
their own remix but six other artists add their take on this track;
Negative Format, Iris, CombiChrist (the new solo project of Andy
LaPlegua from Icon of Coil), Imperative Reaction, Massiv in Mensch
and System Syn. Though few of them stray very far from the original
song, you do get a few variations that include heavier synth-pop,
power-noise, and trance influences which should fit most any dance
floor mood. While this release will surely be a hit with DJs, it
would not be out of place in anyone else's collection either, especially
considering it also contains the "Conflict" multimedia video. The
single is available worldwide via the Nilaihah Records website,
plus keep an eye out for the full length "Illuminate" due out at
the end of this year or early in 2004." - DJ Evol Eno of Side-Line
Collected Sounds
As The Azoic's new album has yet to be released, we are given the
single for "Conflict", which features 8 stellar remixes,
as well as a video track for "Conflict", anyone would
agree that this is definitely enough to tie any fan over.
The various remixes are all interesting takes on the original, with
the CombiChrist mix being the one that struck me the most.
All of them vary in their arrangements, vocalist Kristy Vernick
has a very versatile voice, her emotion definitely comes through
on al the mixes.
I encourage you all to check out this single as there are mixes
for everyone, ranging from synthpop, dreamy ethereal, to hard techno
beats, The Azoic are definitely a group to watch. - Sarah Bernardi
of Collected
Sounds
Starvox
"It’s not a common practice for me to review a CD single, which
consists of eight different versions of one song. Not to mention
the fact that the style of the song in question is part of a genre
that has basically overshadowed everything I love about dark organic
music. As most know, ‘the thud’ drives the bats right
out of the belfry. However, what follows will indeed be a favourable
review of a highly catchy synth pop single! Simply because an honest
music critic can recognize what is good, and when something possesses
genuine quality, regardless of their own subjective musical preferences,
you gotta give it props. I like to think that I am one of those
critics that possess that ability.
The Azoic were once one of the scariest bands in existence. And
at that time, it seemed like only a select group of scary individuals
relished their first two discs of unsettling doom and gloom. But
over the past few years, the band has morphed into a futuristic
synth pop project that has received overwhelmingly positive interest
in the dark club scene across the globe. And rightfully so. The
Azoic is without question following the conventional dance club
formulas of heavyweights like VNV Nation, Assemblage 23 and the
like, and I don’t think they are at all attempting to disguise
that fact. But their music stands out because of its memorable hooks,
its consistently hard hitting and upbeat programming, and its melodic
sensibility. Not to mention the confident alto vocals of Kristy
Venrick. But perhaps the key to the band’s success is that
they never entirely abandoned the darker atmospherics of their formative
years. However often these bobbing rhythms lure the feet of black
clad youths on to their local club’s dance floors, the chilling
choir or string samples and vocal melodies still retain the ability
to send shivers down the listener’s spine. And that is what
sets them apart from most electronic dance acts. The Azoic is just
simply good at what they do, and seem to be getting better at their
craft as they settle into the current phase of their seven-year
existence and prepare for their forthcoming album, Illuminate, due
later this year.
"Conflict" serves as a teaser of what is to come with
the aforementioned full-length, and also to prevent the momentum
initiated by last year’s "Forward" release from slowing
down. I can’t honestly pinpoint a single thing that the average
fan of this genre would not enjoy about this new single. It’s
got all the right ingredients to be a contemporary club smash and
the song is already well on its way to anthem status it seems. It’s
immediately catchy, moody as well as energetic, with an enveloping
pristine production and glossy rhythmic punch. And if the album
version isn’t enough to strike your fancy or (for DJs) doesn’t
quite fit your style of spinning, there are seven alternatives.
I personally enjoyed the first three mixes the most. The Turmoil
version is rougher around the edges when compared to the original,
and has a slightly more trance-inducing vibe. The wonderfully dark
CombiChrist mix is a more gristled deconstruction and hits much
harder both physically and atmospherically. Kristy’s melodic
vocals are scrapped and replaced with stark spoken bits and creates
a much more sinister and hypnotic effect. The Iris remix left me
cold. Though this mix employs a slower more intricate and lite trip
hop vibe to the song, it meanders along lazily and totally forsakes
the energy of the original track. The raw and relatively dynamic
Massiv In Mench mix is a good return to form. The notoriously angst-ridden
Germans looped one of Kristy’s breathier vocal lines and slightly
pitch shifted the rest a bit higher. Musically, it volleys between
a steady thud and more rhythmic break beats for a few of the verses.
The Negative Format mix is basically an extended version of the
song with additional techno flair. Didn’t quite grab me as
much as the other tracks did, but it’s still cool and I am
sure DJs will find a use for it. By this point, I think you get
the idea. Each of the tracks provides a noticeable reinterpretation
of the song, while never straying too far from the original ideas.
In addition to the remixes, a multimedia video clip of the track
is included. I am a sucker for videos. I am addicted to MTV2 and
VH1 Classic, and I have always felt that music video was an enthralling
art form. So I always love it when bands include video tracks on
their releases, because where the hell else will we see this stuff?
At any rate, the “Conflict” video features live clips
of the band performing the track interspersed with footage of speeding
trains and dizzying shots of steel beams and the like, and the band
miming the song in a concrete tunnel. There is some nice clashing
of full-colour shots with blue and sepia tinted passages, which
balance cold and warm tones. Not to mention a curvaceous gothy gal
(probably a close friend of the band that said “I wanna be
in your video, dammit!”) that wanders about seemingly lost
and stood up by a foolish boy. At any rate, it’s not a work
of sublime cinematic art, but its still quite fly and for those
of you that dig the band and haven’t had the privilege to have
seen them live, you can see the band in action and see who is behind
some of these songs you have been groovin’ to.
At any rate, all I can really say here is I can’t write a
short review no matter how hard I try. I mean, this is a single
for chrissakes. If you dig electro, EBM, synth pop, or whatever
the hell they are calling this stuff nowadays, this is not only
one of the next anthems, but it is one of the few with any atmospheric
substance. So check it out and be on the lookout for “Illuminate”
later this year." --Matthew Heilman of Starvox
Re>gen Magazine
"This latest single from The Azoic should build nicely on the positive
feedback created by their well-received Forward album from last
year as it continues on the band's light trance/dance song style.
It also provices further evidence of just how important Kristy Venrick's
vocals have become to the band's style as they suit this track perfectly,
allied with a superb hook that makes it's presence felt the more
you listen to it, something that the remixes add to. As ever, listening
to 8 versions of one track (not including the multi-media video
at the end) in one go can be a bit much but, as a rule, the remixers,
ranging from the harder hitting styles of Turmoil, Massiv In Mensch
& System Syn, the synthpop of Iris or Imperative Reaction's
trancey/electronica all add something new & fresh to the material,
thus avoiding the 'remixing for remixing sake' that some releases
seem to suffer from. Negative Format do the most to take the material
into unexpected new realms while one intriguing inclusion is that
of CombiChrist, the new act featuring Icon Of Coil's Andy LaPlegua.
Don't go expecting some dancey 'future pop' number here as this
is quite a different beast, doing away with the vocals (aside from
a few repeated spoken riffs) & introducing heavy EBM beats &
scorching guitars, just right to get you slamming away with great
enthusiasm!!
Just about all of the remixes work well in what thet set out to
do & this adds up to a worthwhile release that should see this
track becoming a club regular over the forthcoming months." --Carl
Jenkinson of Re>gen
Magazine
Fiend
Many years ago, The Azoic were a small band on mp3.com and an early
version of their now classic 'Not Justified' remains one of my favourite
songs even now. Some official releases later, however, and I'd felt
The Azoic of yore was long, long gone; the spark of genuine originality
had vanished, replaced by material that while solid and professionally
executed, lacked that initial zang that made The Azoic such a stand
out act. So it was with great hesitancy I approach the Conflict
EP, and once I could set my initial cynicism aside I was thrilled
to be filled with a sense Ye Olde Azoic, albeit through remix treatments
by Negative Imperative, CombiChrist, Iris and Massiv In Mensch.
From EBM to what can only be described as electroclash, the variations
of "Conflict" all share what can be only called The Azoic
sound, and one can only hope this is an indication of future releases.
- Alexandra Nicholas, Fiend
Grave Concerns + In Music We Trust +
Club Illuminati
"Conflict" is the 2003 EP from the female-fronted EBM/SynthPop
band the Azoic, consisting of Kristy Venrick (lyrics, vocals), and
Steve Laskarides (programming, engineering). This EP is a multimedia
CD consisting of a music video provided in two formats, and eight
versions of the club hit "Conflict". Remixes by Iris, Negative Format,
Imperative Reaction, Massive in Mensch, System Syn, and CombiChrist
(an Icon of Coil side project). "Conflict" is a instant club hit
with infectious dance beats, well-layered programming and explosive,
mesmerizing vocals from the talented and passionate Kristy Venrick.
This EP is superbly polished and well produced, covering a wide
variety of styles and sounds from neo-industrial, electro-trip-pop,
technotronic, progressive electronic, and to synthpop making this
a well-rounded EP with an array of tempos and rhythms in which should
provide something for everyone. Recommended for fans of female synth
acts like Collide. For also enthusiast of synth pop bands such as
Syrian, or the progressive electronic elements of AsciiDisko. 4
out of 5 --DJ Kreepy Krawly of Club
Illuminati
A Different Drum
"It's time for some new music by America's top female-vocal futurepop
act! There are eight versions of this new, energetic song, plus
a bonus CD-Rom video track that's really cool. This song is a really
nice dance track for the synthpop and industrial clubs, and the
extra versions take the song into all kinds of edgy dance directions.
It's a taste of great things to come if the album lives up to 'Conflict'."
--Todd of A Different Drum
Gothic Paraidse
As we await the highly anticipated new album to be titled "Illuminate",
we are presented with the great single "Conflict". This CD Single
is great in that it has 8 great mixes of the single as well as multimedia
goodies including a video of "Conflict".
The multimedia contact is a definite plus for this single with a
very catchy video that's fun to watch. The video is nice in that
it's not a full "performance" video where the group just catches
a performance on stage and releases it as their video. But this
has some nice simple effects and thematic scenes that really mix
well with the song. There are also pictures, links to their website
and other little goodies.
This single is regular club-hit just waiting to happen. Like many
other The Azoic tracks, this one is very moving and catchy with
Kristy's emotional vocals carrying the mood with excellent backing
music. The original album version is my favorite version on this
single as it builds and fades, pulsates and moves you wherever you
are.
Add to this nice album version 7 other remixes and it's an interesting
single that shouldn't disappoint. I'm usually not a huge fan of
singles because of the "single dilemna" I like to call it where
there's a bunch of remixes of the same song, most of which I usually
end up not liking anyways as different artists' interpretations
detract so much from the original feel of the song. However, I think
that the remixers on this disc managed to pull them off in such
a way as to maintain much of the original feeling, emotions and
energy. The "Turmoil Mix" was remixed by The Azoic so it sticks
to the original the most. However, you pull out the driving "CombiChrist
Mix" and "Massive In Mensch" mix with the hard-hitting, driving
beats and you have energetic club tracks. Iris presents their mix
in more of a classic synthpop sound that isn't quite as driving,
but still a nice track to listen to.
The remaining remixes are also very good by Negative Format and
System Syn adding their own unique styles. The final track is another
remix that I think stays more with the original style. This remix
by Imperative Reaction really adds a lot more volume and intensity
to the original creating a really great song.
As a single, this one is a "must have" to go along with the new
album that will soon be out.
Rating: 4.5/5" --Jacob Bogedahl of Gothic
Paradise
eye.lyft
"Very well produced and quite catchy besides the obviously
danceable! This teaser single has a nice universal quality to it
that should appeal to a variety of listeners. Nice vocals dynamics
and vocal effects along with some very addictive rhythmic programming."
-- Alan McClelland of eye.lyft
Freon Promotions
Absolutely excellent!! --Nicollette of Freon Promotions UK
DJ Copper Top
"Is one of the best produced and rockin' EP singles released this
year! Definitely gonna be in my top ten. Every remix is right on
track and should be something for everyone here. It's a 'gotta have'!"
--DJ Copper Top
Melektro.com
"After making the decision three years ago to revolutionise
their identity to the point of definitively entering the land of
the electronic dance sound, The Azoic have been following EBM directions
with a good touch of originality that carries on relevant potentialities
for further progression. The new 'Conflict' single, that anticipates
the soon to come second full length, is the proof of what the duo
from Columbus, OH and Phoenix, AZ can do if deeply inspired. "Conflict"
goes along that Funkerish style that has been chosen by the Azoic
as the source for its up dated electronic approach and it's an incredibly
catchy song clearly directed to the most intelligent dance floors
of the underground. "Conflict" is for sure a decisive
development for this American band and it reveals their capacity
to manipulate and create electronic beats and interesting female
vocals well amalgamated within layers of sound giving credit to
the premises for a next full length that will be worth impatiently
waiting." -- M www.melektro.com
Chain D.L.K.
After their "Forward..." release, the female fronted the Azoic duo
is back with more danceable techno electronica. This eight track
CD features eight different remix versions of the title track by
Iris, Negative Format, Imperative Reaction, Massiv in Mensch, System,
Syn, CombiChrist (Icon Coil side project). Altough you can definitely
hear the EBM influence and there is a lot of synth-pop activity
going on, this album is really more on the dancefloor side of things
so if you are looking for a mixture of dance-techno and electro-pop
to revive your alternative bootie-shakin' weekends you should try
this out. I personally am not too big of a fan of the more commercial-friendly
dance-club sounds (and this album is filled with those) but other
people like them and might find the right balance with this album.
By the way, the album also features a video clip in Quick Time and
Windows Media formats of the same track with some live footage.
-- Marc "the MEMORY Man" Urselli-Schärer of Chain
D.L.K
Music Non Stop
Outstanding US electro act The Azoic return with the ( super long ) "Conflict EP"
featuring 8 remixes of the title track ( with contributions from COMBICHRIST,
IRIS, IMPERATIVE REACTION, NEGATIVE FORMAT, MASSIV IN MENSCH and SYSTEM SYN )
plus an amazing multimedia video of this dance-floor hit and bonus photo-material
! The "Conflict EP" features styles ranging from dance to EBM to trance,
power-noise and synth-pop.
Music Non Stop
back to The Azoic - Conflict
_____________________________________________________________________________
FORWARD...
Wrapped In Wire
This once darkwave band has decided to change their sound to more energetic
club floor EBM, and I couldn’t be happier with their decision. There is still
a dark edge offered here, but it’s blended with much more futuristic sci-fi
electronic programming and hard driving beats.
All but one song here feature the vocal talents of Kristy Venrick. She’s an
excellent singer with a lot of range to her voice. She delivers emotion and
passion along with memorable choruses that really drive these songs. One song,
"Evolution", features the angry growling vocals of Steve Laskarides. He does
a good job of delivering raw angst, and it would have been nice if his vocals
were used more than only once on this album. It just seems a little odd to only
have one song here featuring male vocals while all the rest are female only.
Also, I would have liked to have seen the band go more in the direction of
other similar acts such as Flesh Field and L'ame Immortelle where they combine
both male and female vocals into some of the songs. But I can’t deny the fact
that these songs work perfectly fine with just the vocals of Kristy Venrick.
Every song here sticks to a similar formula of energy paced electro rhythms and
beats playing over dark and dramatic synth melodies while Kristy sings
passionately with the music. While each of the songs offer their own little
unique elements, they all do tend to blend together without allowing anything
to really stand out. Basically, this entire album sounds pretty much the same
from beginning to end. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a little more
variety wouldn’t have hurt.
One of the biggest problems with this CD is that it only offers seven original
songs. The four remaining songs are remixes. Three of the remixes are for the
song "Progression", while only one is for the song "Evolution". It would have
been nice if each remix was for a different song.
This CD definitely shows The Azoic going in the right direction with their sound,
and it’s a solid recording overall. But there is still room for improvement.
I would like to see a greater contrast between male and female vocals on their
next release along with more original songs and less remixes. But for now,
this 'Forward...' CD should not be missed by fans of modern club floor EBM
featuring female vocals.
Darklight - Wrapped In Wire
Alternative Zine
As I pressed open in my cd-player I had no idea that 30 seconds
later I’ll be in a state of complete shock. The Azoic don’t
believe in such thing as high points in their album. Each and every
track is a d |
