The Birthday Massacre - Hide and Seek
CD Info
2012
Metropolis Records
10 Tracks
English Lyrics
Toronto, Canada has been blessed with the greatness of the industrial pop-Goth act known as The Birthday Massacre. They have had many musically magical releases since their full length debut of "Violet" back in 2005 which has led them to worldwide underground fame since. Their new release "Hide and Seek" is, coming from a longtime fan, their best release yet with a maturity in their sound and song writing craft.
For those of you who’ve just been introduced to this band I have to say you have been missing out. The band has in own unique sound that in a combination of today’s underground electronic heavy hitters with yesterday’s angelic pop hits that you would find rooted in the late to early 80’s top 40 dance hits. A guilty pleasure that becomes not so guilty when you are proud to say such music exists in today’s digital vertigo.
So who exactly ARE The Birthday Massacre you are asking? They are fronted by the soothing and snarky vocals of Chibi, with Rainbow and Falcore on the ambient, yet crunchy guitars, Owen on the signature dated synths, Rhim on the beats (a.k.a. drums), and the newest addition of Nate on Bass.
What do you do you get on this new release? You get all the best elements of TBM over the years compiled onto one album. All the tracks are strong and have their own unique trait when it comes to lyrics, mood, melody, and energy. I’d feel like I was skipping over something important if I left any of the songs out so I’ll go from beginning to end.
The album starts with a track titled "Leaving Tonight" which has a great flow in beat for an introductory track. The story implies the presence of "a girl in the river" with great imagery. When I first heard this song I connected it with the body that was found in the London, ON River not far from the college where this band met each other. But once you hear the rest of the album you realized all the songs have own mysterious horror story to them, which is something that TBM have done so well over the duration of their entire discography.
Next you get "Down" which displays the bands heavier side in guitars and the addition of Chibi’s vocal growls. The lyrics are deep and hit home to the broken heart. The beats are industrial feeling in the heavier parts and then transition nicely back to a dark wave flow that is part of their signature sound. The next track "Play With Fire" is just that: Dark Wave. It is a very romantic track, but then through the lyrics it paints the imagery of a burning house and quite possibly someone trapped inside of it. I’m guessing the arsonist is sadistic because there is no hint of mourning in this track. Its spooky and a new sound approach for the band that was well done. Chibi has no problem getting in character here.
Then the album takes a totally different spin with "Need" which is musically a tribute to all that was awesome about music in the 80s-90s. It could easily become the soundtrack music to a work out montage in any old retro movie, but the lyrics tell another tale. They are ever so upsetting in the person begging their crush to "bleed me from the heart". There is so much tragedy in such a spunky song. Still a great track to get you in high spirits. I look forward to seeing the band perform it live.
"Calling" is in my opinion is the best song of off Hide and Seek. It is fun, meaningful, danceable, and still plays on fantasy in the sound and lyrics. This track really reminded me of Duran Duran or some reason. My personal favorite follows entitled "Alibis" which almost borderlines on dub-step in beats, but stays true to their sound. I feel like they musically evolved here, but kept what I love about them in storyline and sounds to create a very evil mood that takes you back to their earlier releases. Something that Chibi did vocally on this album is showed a great dynamic in either belting or softening it up to sound serious. She should be proud of herself because she delivered it very well. The song ends with a nice touch in the bridge with some of the guys coming in on backing vocals, a rare spectacle for this band.
"One Promise" follows a lot along the lines of what we heard in "Need", but has more visuals in the lyrics. "In This Moment" is a beautiful, moody ballad that displays the dated influences that band has in Depeche Mode and other ancient electronic tyrants. The synth parts are perfectly placed and upbeat on the choruses is what completes this song. If "Cover My Eyes" doesn’t make you miss your childhood then no other song will. I have to say this song really made me think of a time when everything was simple and comfortable. The lyrics and music dance perfectly together here. A must hear and again another gold star to TBM for their bravery in creating something new for their outfit.
The final song "The Long Way Home" is short and could have actually been a continuation of Cover My Eyes. It starts on the same chord and the chorus and the melody is very fitting to what could become a second bridge. I would have actually liked to see track 9 and 10 come together to form a five and a half minute epic.
If you are open to something new and refreshing musically I highly recommend this album. Especially to those who love a good sing along and great poetry. They have also always had a killer look and image in all their album eras. I know TBM fans already love this new release. And if you are one for live music I suggest putting them on your bucket list. They are one of the best live acts out there currently on the underground.
Stand out Tracks: Down, Calling, Alibis, In This Moment, Cover My Eyes
For those who like: Jack Off Jill, Scarling, Jakalope, Duran Duran, The Cure, Depeche Mode.
10 / 10
