Search - Die Laughing :: Incarnations

Supurb GothRock

11/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first experience with Die Laughing was "Queen of Swords" on the "Goth's Paradise" compilation. What struck me hardest about that track was the vocals and skill at intertwining electronics/synthesizers and guitars together; a skill many contemporary Goth bands fail to varying extents at. The useage of "angelic vocals" in regards to the Goth and Ambient genres of music is so hackneyed and trite that I almost expected a letdown after purchasing his album... yet, now, I can say that Rachel Speight's voice far surpasses pop artists such as Sarah McLachlan and Kristy Thirsk, while I haven't heard such a jaw-dropping, successful combination of vocals and music since Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance. The only artist I know of that I can rate close to her raw ability is L'Ame Immortelle's vocalist, yet, I prefer Ms. Speight's voice for Die Laughing is a much more pleasing amalagation to the ears than the previously aforementioned groups which reminds me much of Cold Meat Industry's Puissance. Simply put, this album is a masterpiece... while it sounds poppier than groups such as Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, or Bauhaus, it certainly doesn't sound nearly as 80s as Clan of Xymox or London After Midnight. Give them a try... I haven't found a single weak track on this album, admittedly, a compilation, but it beats importing their EPs and two releases in the UK. It's hard to single out a few particular tracks in such a strong release, but I'd have to label Nemesis, Garden of Thorns, Queen of Swords, and Stranger to Reason as my favorites. The closest group I can draw a comparison for them to is Malaise, but they far outclass their Swedish counterparts in stunning vocals, catchy, ElectroGoth melodies, and lyrics which oftentimes sounds like brooding, melancholy poetry, while retaining a hopeful optimism about life which many Goth groups choose to neglect. I'm not saying that Malaise is a bad band, far from it, they are one of my favorites in Electro Goth, but I view Die Laughing as superior. All in all, recommended to anyone who enjoys Goth music or is just starting to explore the genre."

GREAT VOCALS AND GREAT SONGS!

11/19/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rachial Speight has such a terrific angelic voice! The songs are excellent! FIREDANCE, NEMESIS, GLAMOUR AND SUICIDE, GHOSTS-they're all great songs to listen to. Anyone who listens to this Cd will find out that Rachial is very passionate about her music, and gives it her 100% best everytime. The only thing preventing me from giving this five stars is that I think Rachial deserves a fuller more orchestrated sound with her music. I think adding bass would give this band the bottom that is apparently missing. I hope that if the band reads this that they don't feel insulted, because I still bought the Cd, and like the songs very much. I would recommend this Cd to any fan of Gothic Rock."