Artifex - Suspension of Disbelief

Artifex is an alternative rock band that pulls their influences from everywhere, including electro and industrial, and they form something unique. They shoot out from Italy with 'Suspension of Disbelief' which released early this year in January. Now, although the sound is unique, I can't necessarily say that I love it all too much.

I felt as if the vocals needed work in some songs. Such as in "Electric Lights". They sound decent, but they don't sound great whenever a note is held for too long. It almost sounds like the dude is pinching his nose shut and attempting to sing. Nonetheless, that was just one song out of the ten presented where I found the singing to be annoying.

Rock is definitely the main star of this album; every song takes use of the guitars and drums very well. There are songs that take queues from industrial, such as "No Gravity". It definitely takes an influence from noise, and I'd even say ambient music to an extent. What's awesome about that song, though, is that about a minute and a half in, the song just shifts tempo from industrial inspired music, straight back to rock with a light, almost sci-fi like synth eerily present in the background.

The final track on the album actually gets rid of the vocals, starts off sounding tribal. And it remains that way, while adding more drums, a synth line that progresses through the track, and then some light ambient noise that finishes off the piece. It was truly an interesting song.

Now, we have a decent album, not one that will be calling me back for another listen, but still a decent album. What I do like about Artifex is that they've found their own style. What they need to do to become even better is take their style, and turn it up a bit. I found myself feeling as if I was listening to another generic rock album sometimes, and other times I felt like I was listening to something completely different and abnormal compared to every day music. So, with more work, more fusion of rock and industrial and electro, I guarantee Artifex can come out with something more than they have shown us with 'Suspension of Disbelief'. Jun 09 2013