Album Review: Cyborg Amok (Self Titled)
There are always unexplored alleyways and hidden avenues that reveal strange and interesting new sights, sounds, and experiences. This self titled album by Cyborg Amok is one such metaphor of intrigue.
I find myself in territory somewhat unknown with a vague sense of direction and grasp of this type of musical language; Even so, there are many enjoyable things that caught my attention throughout.
August 19, 2021 - Gothic/Post-Punk duo, CYBORG AMOK have recently unleashed their debut, self-titled LP. The album covers conflict, hope, loss, betrayal, estrangement and depression, looming in the darkness on the fringe of the grey.
CYBORG AMOK resides somewhere between the brilliance of twilight and the apocalyptic darkness. Their gothic infused synth-rock sound delivers the listener to a panorama of synthetic waves, twisted organic tones and a slightly pop crust … the language angels speak in the darkness.
Greg Bullock states, "Much of the inspiration for my music comes from life experiences. I will also read or see something going on in the world that moves me to write a song to chronicle the event."
CYBORG AMOK's self-titled album was released in both digital and CD formats. The album is a compilation of two previous EPs that are now extinct. New music blog Right Chord Music described the release as “gloriously brooding and timeless in its introspection.”
This album is a compilation of two previously released Cyborg Amok EPs (Order Of Dis-Order and TOO).
Cyborg Amok is ... Greg Bullock: lead vocals & keyboards Brydon Bullock: drums & backing vocals
Review
'New(er) Dark Age' is a poetic approach to opening an album that paints a picture much in the format that Pink Floyd would structure out the unfolding messages and stories of their songs. At first I found it to be odd and confusing, much like my opening introduction analogy, I was at a loss and in unfamiliar music grounds. However once the experimental electronics akin to Theremins pulsed out and led back in to the chorus I find myself swaying quite pleasantly and very much enjoyed the military style drums playing it out.
With the next track, I realised what sort of album this was going to be (at least for me anyway) as 'Dancing On The Floor Of The Sea Of Tranquillity' kicked in; It feels very much like an 80's musical that was never put to stage or film but now finds itself rediscovered in album form.
I say that as a good thing because A.. Who doesn't love the 80's? and 2.. Who in the hell doesn't love musicals? There's a little sprinkling of cheese, and those retro slightly out of tune vocals throughout yet I find these endearing and actually a boon to the song overall. The keyboard sections certainly bring a funky nostalgia factor complimented perfectly by some beautiful and subtle female vocals. I might even say there's a hint of Meatloaf's style here too. Definitely the best song on the album.
The rest of the tracks on the album certainly have a lot of meaning to the lyrical content and therefore the inspiration for them. It's also nice to hear some very distinct artistic directions in the music style of each. 'Another Turn' has some courage inducing march drumming and positive spinning notes throughout which is a nice touch.
Tracklist
New(er) Dark Age (radio edit)
Dancing On The Floor Of The Sea Of Tranquillity (2019)
Choice Not Taken
Burden Away
Beyond Me
Another Turn
(Still) Too Far Out
Conclusion
I feel like I don't know even half as much as I should about this particular genre in order to review it properly with any substance however this album (although not to my usual listening) has felt like I've took a wrong turn on holiday somewhere and got lost in translation, yet had a great time regardless. It has some fantastic pieces sprinkled throughout and just when you think you understand each song, something different and unexpected grabs your attention.
Cyborg Amok bring a sense of style and new discovery in contrast to a retro journey of electronics and rock that makes for a pleasant indulgence of musical storytelling.
Scores
Technicality: 6/10
Soul factor: 7/10
Energy: 6/10
Vocals/Samples: 6/10
Re-play value: 8/10
Overall score: 6.6/10
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