First CD Review: 4.5/5 stars for SD6's "Between Noise and Transmission"
SD6
SD6 "Between Noise and Transmission"
A new release for Tom Shear's 23DB label - well, I'm a bit
surprised by this. I rather thought he would release acts near his
friendship (LOST SIGNAL) or projects in which he's involved in like his
fine and underrated NERVE.FILTER project. But by listening to the
offered quality which the originally Portland-based SD6 is capable to
bring on, I can totally understand him that he couldn't resist to
give this talented act a home. SD6 is a two female/one male-project
consisting of Brendan Jerwa, Jessica Blackshear and Nicole Edmonds and
has been built up already in 2002. Being the survivors of the
ADSR-recording artist OMNIBOX, Brendan and Jessica could pick up Nicole
with a move to Seattle and so enter new inspiration. Thanks to the fact
that Brendan could break-through as a comic book author, this debut
release has taken its time. Tom Shear was chosen to do the production
and mastering of this release, which offers for a debut an amazing
routine placed into all components like arrangements, sounds and
lyrical content. Of course, it is musically based on Synth-, Future- or
Electropop, very much influenced of Tom's ASSEMBLAGE 23 project, or
COVENANT, or SEABOUND - but I guess any other style would be
surprising, wouldn't it? Brandon's well suited vocals are coming
clear and understandable through the mix, also conspicuous is the kind
of their rhythm and drum pattern programming featuring several
Breakbeat or D'n'B influences ("Fallen" or the amazing final
track "Free") - a strong preference for them against to some
comparable European acts. Danceable tunes like "Believe" or
"Timestream" should animate the dancefloor-junkies to some action,
while the highlight can be named in the sentimental "The World
Divide", one of the best pieces ever written and arranged in this
genre!!! Not to forget the only one track featuring female-leaded
vocals "Untruth", another fine example of the transformation
ability this band can offer. Congrats to both, band and Tom, for a
release which would be a jewel in the stable of every label around.
With more upcoming releases in this quality, 23DB will grow to be the
elite label this genre has to offer.