Bioassay - My Old Friend

Bioassay released its first album in 2010, and in 2012 they are back with the 'My Old Friend'. This is a four track EP, including an Assemblage 23 remix and a club version. They are in the Electronic genre, but have a blend of Industrial, Electronic and Synthpop genres blended into their music. Mauricio A. (founder of Bioassay) and Holly J. are the sole members of Bioassay and are based out of Los Angeles, California. Occasionally they will have guest musicians performing on their live shows. They have a great website and some videos of them performing live. Make sure you check out their video showing their unique cover of 'Fascinated' by Company B.

The title track, 'My Old Friend (Assemblage 23 Remix)' was remixed by Tom Shear of Assemblage 23, and definitely sounds like an Assemblage 23 remix. It has plenty of synthesizers and solid bass line riffs, enough to be a popular club song. Mauricio's vocals remind me a bit of Camouflage's vocals, especially on the song 'The Great Commandment'. They are deep, smooth and have a classic Electronic-Industrial sound to them. Holly is great on delivering smooth synthesizer melodies throughout each song.

'Body' has more synthesizer riffs to keep up with the first track, but I feel it is screaming out for a remix. The solid bass line and vocals would sound great kicked up a few notches and thrown into a hard-stomping Industrial remix. It is a solid song, but is a bit low key, and wouldn't fill the dance floor unless it was played later at night, which is why I feel it could use a remix. 'The Signal' has more of a Depeche Mode feel to it, with a slow dragging beat and solid musicality to it. It could definitely use some vocals over the top of this clever piece, and I kept waiting for them throughout.

'Reversed Polarity (Club Version)' is definitely made for the clubs and is the most danceable track on the EP. The vocals fit it perfectly and are delivered in a dark and harsh way, with just enough angst to give it a strong Industrial feel. This song's original, and the 'My Old Friend' original are on Bioassay's first album, 'Memoirs Of A Broken Heart'.

This album is only a four track EP, but they chose 4 great songs to put on it, and each one delivers in their own unique style. I would love to see Bioassay release an entire remix EP of their first album, because the songwriting and musicality of it is very good for a first album. I think some excellent remixes could be done for the entire first album, with some of them becoming signature tracks of Bioassay and possibly becoming club favorites. Bioassay is definitely in the fast lane with only 1 album and 1 EP, and to have both of them such strong pieces of musical work.
Mar 13 2012