X-MARKS THE PEDWALK

In the 90s, X-Marks The Pedwalk was one of the most successful EBM bands on the notorious Zoth Omog label. X-MTP was regarded as the German Skinny Puppy. But they don’t sound like that anymore. The agressive EBM made room for melancholic electronics with hints of synth pop and future pop. Sevren Ni-arb’s harsh vocals made room for clean and processed vocals. But hey, no worries. Fortunately there are sufficient gloomy soundscapes, pounding beats and electro-industrial elements. X-MTP did not become cheesy at all. That much I can assure you.

The album contains 12 tracks. It starts in fashion with the title track The House Of Rain and Drowned Words. Two mesmerizing dreamy tracks with the sweet voice of Estefania, whose vocals are more present than ever. That works just fine. Check out (or download via Bandcamp) Frozen Light.

Next to Shock Therapy, a track reminiscent of Depeche Mode. There are also some upbeat tracks such as Second Home, Go Down and Far From Eden. The latter is an outstanding instantly memorable anthem that will certainly fill the underground dance floors.

The album ends with 2 instrumentals. Another Dream combines Kraftworkian retro sounds with contemporary elements. Asynchronous contains some warm soundscapes and ambient elements.

The House Of Rain is a richly detailed album with a polished production. Sevren Ni-arb crafted some nice melodies and wrote vulnerable lyrics, full of contradicting emotions. Although I first worried about this new direction, the album grew on me and in the end I was convinced. Recommended, and not only for schizophrenics.

Benny CALUWE
07/10/2015