Austra - Feel It Break

I already have this album for more than a year, so when I saw it pop up in the reviewpool, I inmediately grabbed it. Already have the CD, so no hassle getting the files. A bit late, but perhaps the promo was sent in late by the label or band. But its important to review it for Brutal Resonance, because its a good album, and Austra is one of the top acts of the new emerging indie-goth/darkwave movement, so keeping a eye on it is pretty vital.

Its difficult to place Austra musically. The band they have most in common with is Sweden's The Knife, but you can also hear sounds which reminds of Depeche Mode, Björk, The Frozen Autumn and Deine Lakaien. Singer Katie Stelmanis has a very recognisable voice being sharp, angelic and high pitched. The music is undoubtly darkwave or synthpop, but is refreshingly modern and lacks the tiresome boredom of most German darkwave acts. Personally I think it is great that the goth/wave scene is enriched by these so called hipster-goth bands, because they bring great new impulses to the genre. Maybe even sofar as to revive it.

The quality of the songs varies a bit though. Not all the songs are that interesting, but the single "Beat And The Pulse" is one of my favorites songs for over a year now, and other stuff like "Lose It" and "Spellwork" is great as well.

If you are into darkwave, but find the latest offerings from Diorama or Diary of Dreams lacking in excitement and generally boring (thats what i think anyway) you might well check this band out. They give the genre a refreshing kick in the butt, and we already have more acts like them around such as Trust, Cold Cave and Parallels, so there is a lot of good stuff coming towards us. Goths and wavers: pay attention! Dec 17 2012