[.ca] The Dividing

This Product Appears Twice on Amazon with Different Reviews!:
I originally wrote a review for this CD on Amazon and found that it appeard only in one place when the CD is listed twice. I decided to post it here too because the review that follows is even more relevant here given the tendency of many who have reviewed below seem to not be able to restrain their emotions enough to give an objective review that will help other potential buyers. Very often these people who falls head over heels with something quickly also fall out of love with it when the next new thing comes along. Not very helpful to those who read such reviews for some guidance. Here is my original review: OK. Aren't you tired of reviews (here and other items) that just gush with unbridled enthusiasm and give everything five stars? I am not saying my opinion is more valid than others but I am very suspect of reviews that treat the item being reviewed as if it was "holy water". Truth be known, friends of the artist and die hard fans are encouraged to submit their "objective" reviews by which you will make a decision. So, let's deal with Android Lust's "The Dividing" without preconceived notions (positive or negative). I will attempt to at least TRY to write a review that is helpful to those who are thinking...."will I like this?" First, the packaging. A well designed, quality presentation. Nothing to fault here. I would not say it is very original but I will say that it is quite pleasant. The production quality, on the whole is average and I would have to say that the mastering/mix is congested and somewhat disappointing. Play this on your CD player and then switch to Laibach's new CD "WAT" or a Nine Inch Nails CD and you will feel as if your sinuses cleared. It is not that "The Dividing" is poorly mixed but simply that the limitations are quite apparent. The first track is standard "industrial" fare. In a way it is a sort of a filler piece. The sort of track one might skip when you first hear the CD hoping there are better things to come. The second track "Kingdom of One" is one hell of a ride! I was honestly taken aback by this track. In this track (perhaps one of the best on here), Shikhee proves that she has the talent. The angst comes through loud an clear. The tempo is quick and the track is a mix of punk, elctronic and industrial guided by simple garage band drums (it works here well). The vocals are very jarring (don't expect a lullaby)! The next two tracks are pretty standard fare electronic based industrial (fairly punchy and interesting bass lines). To give you a better frame of reference, these tracks are familiar in style to the better days of industrial music (the late 80's/early '90s) - this is both praise and criticism because it is a bit too obviously influenced by a particular group or two and could be faulted for being a bit of a re-hashing. BUT,these tracks grow on you and I would give them average to above average marks. "The Want" is another track that stands out. Here, Android Lust shows their (her?) talents well. Great sequencer programming, good choices of sounds and a danceable "groovy" industrial track. Most industrial fans would not be disappointed! The tracks that follow tend to average out as similar in quality to tracks 1 through 5 (average to above average, a couple of filler tracks). With the exception of occasional bright moments (there are quite a few), they don't fully capture the magic of the CDs two most powerful tracks, "Kingdom of One" and "The Want". So, there you have it. Few, very exceptional, albums get 5 stars from me (they have to be history making in their genre, the sort of stuff other serious musicians refer to), 4 stars are reserved for albums that set a high bar for others). Three stars are for overall good to very good in my book (remember this is just my humble opinion - take it for what you think it is worth). Two is for standard fare, predictable consumer stuff you may buy if you are bored. One star is for poor...and I am not sure if Amazon even gives you the "zero" star choice.... THIS ALBUM? IT IS 3 STARS FROM ME.

Infectiously hellish... An amazing talent!:
Although signed to Projekt records, which is best known for dreamy groups like Love Spirals Downwards or darkwave groups like Lycia, the one mastermind behind Android Lust is far from the norm. Shikhee (yes, a female!) is unlike any singer I've ever heard before and her music is widely diversified. Usually I'm able to compare an artist as sounding akin to another (in terms of voice, at least) but she truly does stand out as a unique musician. I admit, her shrilly whispers got on my nerves at first but that's only because I'm accustomed to beautiful, otherwordly singers. However, in an icy sort of way, she does have a nice voice when she's not aggressively screaming, which I don't mind at all anymore as it fits in well with the mood of the songs. I guess you could consider 'The Dividing' a Goth album with its dark, venomous rhythms but it's so much more than that. The music draws heavily on electronica with pounding techno beats on "Unbeliever", for example, along with elements of rock, industrial, and even some classical. A flute opens "Fall To Fragments" and a gorgeous viola haunts the closing track, "Burn". The lyrics and singing are mostly filled with regret and loathing that's fiercely emotional yet there's also an ethereal quality to the material, rewarding us with a breath of fresh air that's neither stagnant nor copied. As to the person who was bashing so many for writing positive reviews for this album, claiming they're not 'objective' enough to be helpful, well did you ever think that perhaps they gave it five stars because they appreciate what they've heard here? Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and you may not always agree with them but you should at least respect them! Sure, I buy a lot of music but that doesn't mean I'm never going to go back to this or like it any less in the future! FYI: When I listen to something I haven't played in a while I oftentimes end up enjoying it more than before and I'm sure the same can be said for others! (Sorry... I just had to comment on that).

very good cd!:
if you have not heard this cd i suggest you buy it! really wonderful. full of amazing emotion and swift beats great for anyones taste! this is a great band(solo artist really.) and if youve never heard of them go their official site:: www.androidlust.com Shikhee's voice is incredible.

android lust kicks:
one of the best acts out there. i read about them in industrial nation and heard a track on n.c.i.s. i just had to check it out and am glad i did. blows most ebm/electro-industrial out of the water. pick it up NOW!!! as a plea to all canadian record stores. if u dont stock this artist what are u thinking? stock them NOW!!! (...)

Shikhee and her amazing talents.:
I've been an Android Lust fan for a good while, and Shikhee has never ceased to amaze me with her amazing talent for being the one-woman powerhouse she is. She writes amazing lyrics and produces amazing sounding music. The album starts with "Division" which is a slower song, very well put together. Then it shoots into the powerfully angry "Kingdom of One," which is a favorite of mine. It flows so nicely into every song, with "Panic Wrought," "Follow," and "The Want" following. Then comes "Stained," which had me captivated. This song is incredibly beautiful; her voice is amazing, the music is relaxing...we then coast into "Unbeliever" and "Another Void," two amazingly well made songs. "Fall to Fragments" left me with chills. This song wasn't normal Android Lust style, but it was definitely a nice change. "Sex and Mutilation" is rough, gritty, and definitely a good addition. It finishes off with "Burn," closing one amazing CD. Shikhee puts her all into her work, and it's definitely obvious. Any industrial/EBM fan should not miss this CD.

• Division
• Kingdom of One
• Panic Wrought
• Follow
• Want
• Stained
• Unbeliever
• Another Void
• Fall to Fragments
• Sex and Mutilation
• Burn