CLAN OF XYMOX

EN

An established name since 1985 when their self-titled debut album was released by the legendary 4AD label, although one year earlier in 1984, the EP "Subsequent Pleasures" had already been self-released (later reissued multiple times). The Dutch band Clan Of Xymox quickly gained fame as the Netherlands' most important goth/new wave export. It's now 2024, 40 years later, and founder Ronny Moorings still stands tall with his Clan of Xymox, though the name was shortened to Xymox in 1988 and gradually took a more commercial direction. However, since 1997, after a long pause and reflection, Ronny Moorings has fully embraced the darkwave genre again with the album “Hidden Faces” (Pandaimonium / Tess Records) under the name Clan Of Xymox, and he's far from finished.

“Exodus” is the 18th full-length album from this clan, which once again rises above the mediocrity where many others linger. Although the sound is not really comparable to the very old releases, which I am a big fan of, the atmosphere and the beauty of melancholy remain effortlessly and elegantly intact. Melancholy, passion, but also existential fear and a pulse on a world in pain. Ronny Moorings observes, integrates, and translates thoughts and feelings into addictive, atmospheric, and danceable pieces of music. Without falling into apathy or nihilism, suffering is often magnified as a human strength for connection and warmth.

The single and title track "Exodus" is without a doubt the most danceable number on this new album, which will effortlessly fill alternative and dark dance floors. However, in my opinion, it is not the best, most inspiring, or most touching. My personal favorites include "I Always Feel The Same," a track with a tight rhythm that typifies Clan Of Xymox with tempo, melody, and melancholy. But there is much more.

The album opens with the dark "Save Our Souls," which exemplifies the current darkwave sound. While "Afterglow" allows a ray of sunshine into the darkwave sound without being blinding. But it is especially the slower, more atmospheric pieces like "Fear For A World At War," "I Can See Miles Across" (whose atmosphere reminds me of The Cure, and take this as a compliment), and "We Are Who We Are" that effortlessly convince me. Sincere and honest, vulnerable too, but thus powerful. Ronny Moorings' voice is still recognizable among thousands and adds extra depth and feeling to the musical compositions. From softly rippling to melancholic drifting on a synth layer as if it were a band-aid on a wound. This album eases the pain of existence, without a doubt, even though it does not shy away from sorrow or doom.

Clan Of Xymox is a band that, even in 2024, manages to make the intimate and introverted extroverted without immediately shouting or ostentatiously undressing for the audience. "Blood Of Christ" seems to outgrow the altar boy in Moorings... seductive but not without danger and above all very human. Electronically driven and danceable without 'beat' or dime-a-dozen drumming. Subtle, so to speak. He who is without sin should cast the first stone.

In "Once Upon A Time," Clan Of Xymox effortlessly links their rich musical history with the current post-punk sound. Well, what is there to say about this 'Exodus'? After three years since “Limbo,” it seems to me to be a successful entry into the hearts of many fans and listeners. "Exodus" breathes Clan Of Xymox from every groove (yes, also available in various vinyl versions) and has no skip moments. Not a single sign of weakness. And, although I still find “Medusa” (1986, 4AD) my absolute favorite Clan Of Xymox album, this “Exodus” is absolutely successful and will certainly appear in my top 10 of 2024, that I am already sure of.

Kurt INGELS
05/08/2024

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NL

U kan de Nederlanstalige versie van deze review HIER nalezen bij onze collega's van Dark Entries Magazine!

Kurt INGELS
05/08/2024

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