Cortex Defect - Cortex Defect

Manchester Industrial Futurepop band, Cortex Defect, emerge into the music scene with their 3 tracked selt-titled EP containing 2 original tracks and 1 remix by Flesh Eating Foundation.

Cortex Defect are truly a unique emerging band because of the massive intake in sales encountered within the first 24 hours of the release of the self-titled EP which promptly, sold out. Their sound is resonant of fairly early System Syn and Imperative Reaction, coincidentally, these 2 artists feature as arists they like alongside Celldweller and Depeche Mode. So there are some big names to live up to!

Set to release a full length album later in 2012 titled "Defection", this EP sets a standard for the overall album to come. Having really only 2 tracks it is important to give additional attention as with this release, quality must empower quantity in order to satisfy.

The first track, "Fortify" opens up the album as a 5 and a half minute song, slightly grueling at first I must admit but once I sat and listened, giving attention to the lyrical side of the song, I found that the track stood up on its own and lasted the full duration without causing too much boredom at the halfway mark but still felt a little enduring. Bragging a faint military synthesiser sound on top a very EBM and Futurepop sound along with what I can best described as soft and mellow vocals. This track holds a lot of inspiration I feel from early EBM as well as modern Industrial music and that creates a clear and somewhat new blend of music for many fans and generations to enjoy.

The second track, "Monument" happens to be my favourite of the two, there's something more clear or professional overall about this, I can't quite pin point it. Vocals similar to the previous track, however they have a faint harmonic blur overshadowing which really brings it out of its shell. And when that is combines with the softly distorted or synthetic vocals, it really breaks the track up and creates a very strong and comforting listening experience.

Thirdly, the remix of "Fortify" by Flesh Eating Foundation has everything you'd expect of a remix, I'm going to be honest and I say I don't feel this remix. It's alright however I feel it holds nothing new or exciting, it is more of an alternate to the original track, for obvious reasons, however it has one unique feature. The use of distortion on some of the vocals to create an almost vocoder sound, but not quite. Hard to describe for someone without great musical experience as me!

On the whole however, this EP remains a strong example of what is to come for Cortext Defect, and while parts may be a little off or not up to scratch, what's to be expected? It's the EP of a new band! It's great when you know the background to it, but in contrast to other releases it does fall slightly. This EP definately boosts expectations and gains popularity for the future full length release which I really do look forward to hearing after listening to the EP a few times. Lots of high hopes to be met guys! You better deliver!

7/10 for the great sound of a new and first release but also for the expectations towards the upcoming release! Aug 17 2012