Coldlink - Ghosts I've Known

Ghosts I've Known is the debut release EP for duo Coldlink. Singer/Writer Rob Armstrong and Keyboardist/Writer Shawn McNoldy of Filament 38 have stepped out to make this piece of EBM goodness. A 9 track EP featuring 6 originals and 3 remixes at a playtime of just under 40 minutes.

I've not heard (as yet) any of Filament 38's work (to the shriek of many out there I'm sure) so I listened to this as a stand alone piece rather than "what those guys from another band do without the other guy" thing.

The title track 'Ghosts I've Known' starts us off with a chunky bassline and industrial background noise into a midstab synth classic old school almost no wave groove. 'W1tchhVnt' (must be a witchhouse thing) is the second track that lulls you into a dark groove of clipped beats and noise and then bursts into big synths and pads and then back again.

The third track 'Disappear Tomorrow' keeps pumping through and is nicely eclectic in its beats and not usual EBM classic sounds which brings us into 'Rust'. 'Rust' for me, is the track on this EP that reminds me of bands like Cabaret Voltaire, Front Line Assembly etcetc. A very Euro feel to it.

'Cut' picks up the BPM again is full of the chunky bass and sequenced glory that old school EBM is made of. Big string segments break up that feel of the track with some beautiful female vox within. I think this is the best track on an already great EP. 'In Vein' is the last of the originals and is a slower thumpy cold wave style, sparse bass, light string pads, industrial noise track. There is something so classic 80's EBM/dark acid house in this track that it did take me back. For all the great reasons I must add.

The remixes start with a DnB style intro into a cold wave and back version of 'Ghosts I've Known' remixed by Textbeak Shelter. Digital Geist remix 'Disappear Tomorrow' with different ideas in the track that form together magnificently. Diverje remix the last track on the EP and is again of the title track 'Ghosts I've Known' by adding guitars and masses of massive beats. Not great but listenable.

Coldlink's EP Ghosts Ive Known is a brilliant debut for this duo and perhaps the experience of Filament 38 helps but all the basslines are solid and the percussion is just right. Vocally there is a, hmmmm, Skinny Puppy style I guess; dark, serious and not to be fucked with. A few effects added here and there to enhance the feel maybe but good and strong and importantly, suits the style and sense of the music it is with.

If you love your EBM, old or new school, then you will enjoy the forty minutes of Ghosts I've Known. Its a standout release and a stomper!
Feb 07 2017