Assemblage 23 - Bruise

With the great 'Compass' album from 2009 close to mind and heart, Tom with his Assemblage 23 follow up with the new 'Bruise' which is his 8th album since the debut back in 1999.

And 'Bruise' follows the same track as its predecessors, I expect nothing less from Assemblage these days. Some of the tracks have a quite a lot of effects on the vocals, as on the 'Compass' album, but luckily, for the most time, we have the clean and great vocals we love.

And even though the light of experience shines bright and true, and the music has not changed much, not much at all to be honest. Nevertheless, Tom still feels hungry in his vocals, making every single word count and that speaks to you and makes you think and feel, like texts should. Vague enough for you to be able to apply it to yourself, but clear enough for it not coming out as nonsense.

Even though I got my hands on the limited 2CD edition of the album, this review focus on the 10 track original CD. Since I find remixes often boring and tedious, I left that can of worms sealed and untouched. And the original holds enough great tracks and I find the 10 track concept focused and direct.

All fans will get exactly what they are expecting, the problem is, it's a bit to much what we are expecting. There's nothing new to be found here and the concept hasn't changed. Perhaps it would be a strange strategy to change a winning concept; however, it leaves me wishing for a bit more. Sometimes I simply want Tom to jump out from the bushes, like a dirty old man, doing naughty stuff to me. Surprise me a little. Jun 20 2012