Suicidal Romance - Memories Behind Closed Curtains

In my review of the EP 'Whisper Goodbye', that was the teaser for this new album 'Memories Behind Closed Curtains', I wrote that it felt like Suicidal Romance was in an identity crisis. I was hoping for a much more arrow headed approach, gathering all their strengths in the right places. Still, I can't get rid of the feeling of schizophrenia, if you compare the tracks harsher "Whisper Goodbye" with the softer, almost radio pop friendly, "Hold Me" for an example.

Personally, I have troubles with the male harsh vocals together with the soft touch of the female vocals. Even though they both do a great job, it feels like I'm somewhat stuck in a YouTube mashup between Freakangel and Within Temptation (was that too harsh of me?). If the male vocals where more harsh singing than harsh distorted screaming, I think the transformation between them would work better for me.It feels much more natural when the separate the tracks and dedicate one voice to each track.

However, though the somewhat ranting start, there's still room for a lot of material worth checking out. "Slave/Slave" featuring SHIV-R is my absolute favorite on this album (was also on the EP) together with "Ecstatic" featuring Felix Marc (everything he touches seems to create magic). Also worth mentioning is the slower "Don't Go" with some brutally emotional vocals by Dmitry and the harsh dance track "One Love".

The production quality is great; the music is well composed and ever-changing, never leaving you stagnant. However, just like with the most recent Psy'Aviah album, I feel tossed around too much between electro, dark electro and harsh. Even though the Psy'Aviah album was a few steps worse in the tossing about, I can't escape the same feeling when I listen to 'Memories Behind Closed Curtains'. There are a couple of tracks that, viewed upon separately, hold great standard. However, as an album, I'm not totally convinced that the true potential was reached.

All and all, 'Memories Behind Closed Curtains' is an album with potential worth checking out, especially if you don't share my concerns. Feb 15 2012