Imagine the Blank-wave Arcade--the color of night-time neon. Its' interior, an unlikely one night stand of high-tech and punk rock ethics. Lonely and desolate, its' supercollision pop rushes at you like images from a Ber... more »lin Blade Runner or Mad Max. Their music, stark and uncompromising, is filled with electronic surges, darkwave brushstrokes, confessionals and come-ons. The Faint combine rock instruments (guitar, bass) with "now" electronic elements (synths, drum machines) to create melodic, melancholic post-modern music-- but not without hope. Their music is haunting, yet danceable--an aesthete's memory of tainted pop music. BAND_MEMBERS: Todd Baechle Jacob Thiele Clark Baechle Joel Petersen« less
Imagine the Blank-wave Arcade--the color of night-time neon. Its' interior, an unlikely one night stand of high-tech and punk rock ethics. Lonely and desolate, its' supercollision pop rushes at you like images from a Berlin Blade Runner or Mad Max. Their music, stark and uncompromising, is filled with electronic surges, darkwave brushstrokes, confessionals and come-ons. The Faint combine rock instruments (guitar, bass) with "now" electronic elements (synths, drum machines) to create melodic, melancholic post-modern music-- but not without hope. Their music is haunting, yet danceable--an aesthete's memory of tainted pop music. BAND_MEMBERS: Todd Baechle Jacob Thiele Clark Baechle Joel Petersen
William O'Donnell | Harrisburg, PA USA | 02/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was turned on to The Faint by an online pal who described their sound as "Duran Duran making out with Joy Divison." Well, after a description like that, I had to check them out for myself; my two great musical loves being gothic rock and 80s New Wave. What a rich, dark musical experience was in store for me. The insistent synth-pulse, the chilly-yet-emotional vocal delivery, the random bursts of electronic noise... My favorite tracks on the album are "Worked Up So Sexual" and "Cars Pass In Cold Blood," but the whole album is completely fantastic, and never fails to set my feet dancing. The sing-along intro of "The Passives" is irresistible, too. Overall, a great retro album which has great relevance for today--Oh, and it's really dark stuff, too!"
We like to dance, but aren't superficial
Stephen Atkins | St. Petersburg, FL | 12/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Faint play a brilliant brand of 80's synth rock with a modern edge. Of course, there are heavy influences from seminal new-wave bands like Joy Division, Duran Duran, and New Order. But the general ambience and style of "Blank-wave Arcade" reeks of things more modern as well. It's hard to place a finger on it. But the appeal and talent behind this band isn't simply a one-trick pony. And although (as stated) there are definite influences apparent, this isn't simply an 80's throwback. It's the revival (and progression) of a style of music making that was perhaps more prominent amongst new-wave groups. It is as if the music was able to fester for 20 years or so and emerge as something completely new and different. Their lyrics are often dark and brooding. But without malice. There is almost a sense of innocence in the lyrical perspective of the otherwise grim sequences unfolded. And much of it is very dancable. But it makes one want to dance with emotion and not just for dancing's sake. The music literally moves you. This is an excellent album for anyone who enjoys music that is simultaneously light as a feather and deep as an ocean. It's a rare thing, this is definitely worth a listen."
Buy it
Nathan G. | Lakewood, Ohio United States | 05/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is awesome. Much better than their first, which I advise everyone to stay away from. Nothing will top the third release, Danse Macabre, unless of course their 4th album does so. Blank Wave Arcade did not disappoint me at all, just pair this album with Danse Mabacre and you will be set."
Thumbs up to Saddlecreek Records--they ROCK!
K. Kenner | Brooklyn, NY | 10/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This entire album has so much energy that it makes you want to run around and jump up and down! If you like the 80's but thought it was too corny at times, then you'll like this album, because it takes the great electronic/synthesizer sounds out of the decade but adds good lyrics! All of the songs have such a catchy beat to them. AND, all of the tracks on this album are super unique, some of them are immediately catchy tunes, some are more experimental...but all are quality. OH! And I love the lyrics....an excerpt: "How she moves, how she walks. They all patiently await while the heat from in their pockets could burn marks into their legs." (Talking about the job of a stripper). Very creative stuff.My favorites are the first three tracks, which are brilliantly put together...the album flows wonderfully. Track 8, "In Concert," is really good too. The only song that I don't enjoy very much is the last track, which is just too screechy-high sounding for me. But overall, this album has to be one of my best purchases. It's one of those cd's that stays in my car and gets turned up really loud as I drive like a maniac down the freeways of L.A. Yah, it's a good L.A. driving cd. But maybe that's just me. I would like to take this moment to applaud Saddlecreek Records for making my music listening experience jump to a whole new level."
If my feet were blocks of ice, i would just about go insane.
aLittleEmoGirlFromTheMidwest | 12/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album was plopped into my player the moment i unwrapped the plastic wrap, and has stayed there since. it is more energetic than i had ever imagined and i could not wait for one song to be over and to be able to hear the next, but at the same time i wanted each song to last a lifetime. a half hour of pure delight, you will start out lazing in a chair and end up on your feet."