Soundgazer - Two Graves

Soundgazer is a three piece synthrock/electrorock outfit that produces feel good and down to Earth music. The band is described as both sounding like and drawing influence from bands such as IAMX and The Birthday Massacre, so if you're into either of those two other acts than I'm sure you'll find something to like. As I danced with this release, I did not find much wrong with the production value; in fact. All sounds are crisp and clear and the like, but I did find some repelling components within both vocal and instrumental sections. 

On the spectrum of good to bad singing, I find both the male and female chords of Soundgazer somewhere above the half way mark but not exceedingly so. I felt as if both sets were a bit too nasally for my tastes, especially when their chords are sparkling clean and barely touched with any effects. If you're going with a natural singing voice, you need to make sure it's pitch perfect. The singing tongues, even when they mingled with one another, were tolerable but need work. 

On the musical part, there really was only one hitch I found within the whole album. That lies within the song 'Go Where You Go'. I wasn't a huge fan of the song lasting guitar rhythm that appeared under the otherwise positive sound. It was not a deal breaker, but 'Go Where You Go' is not a song I would revisit anytime soon. 

Other than that, I give praise to the electronic mesh with alternative rock elements. I especially appreciated the more minimal taste found on the track 'Shadows Inside'. Ominous whispering and occasional chimes ring, while the chorus brings out the rockstar inside the band. It's like dueling with both a light and dark side - and that is something that is always lovely. 

I do come off this album slightly mixed, but generally with a positive attitude. Though they have been around for almost a decade (their first show was in 2006), they have plenty of time to move forward and mature. The music is kick ass and smooth; smooth electro, rock, and other surprises you may not expect all await on the album. Once they get their voices better adjusted and professionalized I think these guys will turn more honest ears toward them and gain more traction. Regardless, here's to them. I'm curious to see where they'll go next. 

Don't forget to check out the interview I did with them right HERE. 
Dec 29 2015