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Music Review: Ego Likeness- "Breedless"
15 years ago
Members: Donna Lynch [Vocals, Piano, Lyrics, Synths]; Steven Archer [Vocals, Guitar, Synths, Drums, Programming]
Genre(s): Industrial Rock, Darkwave, Triphop
A Little Background
Formed in 1999, Ego Likeness presents musical artistry in its seductive, dark style with Donna Lynch's sultry vocals at the lead. In 2000, they released their debut album "Dragonfly" through the band's own label Angelfall. 2004 saw the band sign with Philadelphia-based label, Dancing Ferret Discs and released their second album "Water to the Dead". After the release of their third album, "The Order of the Reptile" in 2006 through DCD, the band went on to release the "Compass" EPs "South", "West", and "North" over the course of the next three years.
After Dancing Ferret Discs effectively closed its doors, Ego Likeness signed with Philadelphia label, Metropolis Records. Soon after, in April 2010, their fourth album, "Breedless" was released.
01. Sirens and Satellites ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9Las66_4bg )
A great opening track that starts with an acoustic guitar that leads into the proper rock-styled guitar. It was a bit of a surprise as I bought this album without knowing Ego Likeness' music beforehand. I had expected them to be purely an Industrial/Trip-Hop project. Donna Lynch's voice turns out to be like a siren's bewitching call, drawing you into the track and further into the album with its smoky texture.
In the lyrics booklet this is subtitled "LaSiren", and it shows why as it comes from the perspective of sirens speaking to potential victims. A dark subject, yet deliciously seductive when voiced by Lynch.
02. Breedless ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....less/Breedless )
This track from the beginning shows that it takes on more of the Industrial side of the band with thick synths and complementary guitar riffs. If Lynch's sultry vocals didn't catch you in the first track, they will here. With its darker lyrical delivery, this track also shows the darker side of the band by displaying a dislike for the artificial, negative aspects of mankind. This combines with the darker overall sound of this track to create a sinister, yet inspirational track that will make you want to sing along after a time.
03. Inferno ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....edless/Inferno )
Inferno kicks off with a groovy, yet heavy guitar riff and builds up until Lynch comes in with a more conventional vocal approach that is indicative of their Trip Hop side. This track unlike the first two is quite constant without much variation except an atmospheric break. Otherwise, it still a very solid track.
04. Now Until Forever ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....+Until+Forever )
Right off from the beginning, this track makes Ego Likeness' Trip Hop side very apparent with its beat. While I first had my doubts, the band proves they can blend that part of the project well with sequenced synths and guitar riffs. Lynch takes on a sort of 'dreamy' feel with her vocals. The lyrical content is written from the perspective of someone talking to their lover to meet them "at the crossroads". Don't be put off by this though, as the lyrics are very intelligent and Lynch is able to put through a sense of longing. This is another splendid track that deserves a lot of credit with how well produced it is and how all the components simply work.
05. The Devils in the Chemicals ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....+The+Chemicals )
Once again, EL's darker side emerges with Lynch's desperate-sounding vocal delivery and the manic instrumentals. The lyrical content isn't much in quantity, but the message is strong, basically saying that our faults are due to the "demons in the DNA". While pretty guitar driven, this track is very groovy and catchy, and would go great in a club.
06. Song for Samael ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....ong+For+Samael )
This is the ballad track of the album, and while it begins with a Dark Ambient intro and whispered echoing vocals from Lynch, the chorus proves that the song has a haunting beauty. The lyrics of this song look into the cruel, selfish side of the human psyche while praising religious figures like Moses for being idealized human beings ("I guess Moses was a better soul than I, I would've let my people drown"). In the end, the song peters out with an outro as dark as the intro. A splendid track to be sure.
07. South ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3O4KdgRfGs
This track is the most "Trip Hop" song on this album with its beat and synths. This a pretty good song with an Electro kind of feel, at least until the guitars kick in halfway. Lynch's vocals are similar to those in "LaSiren", just as entrancing. The lyrics can be taken both literally and figuratively. Figuratively, it speaks of "drowning" in the overwhelming indecision when faced with life-changing choices. Literally, it speaks of drowning in the seas and asking Leviathan to have mercy and "hold back your seas".
08. The Lowest Place on Earth ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....Place+On+Earth )
This track continues seamlessly from "South" and starts with a sweeping synth and plugging bass. As the single for the album aside from "South", I don't find it as single-worthy as the other tracks in the album. That is not to say that it isn't good with its Elecrto-styled stanzas and riff-laden chorus.
09. Everything is Poison ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....hing+Is+Poison )
This track is among the best in the album. It blends Trip Hop with Darkwave into a catchy, club-friendly song. Lynch's vocal delivery is a little more 'delicate' in this song, showing her ability to be diverse as a vocalist in terms of tone and textures. While the other tracks' lyrics are more complex, this quite plainly points out the hypocrisy of others when condemning people for their actions while excusing their own actions.
10. Seance ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....ss/S%C3%A9ance )
Despite the title, this is a very beat- rhythm-driven song full of instrumentals. It's dreamy synths back the guitar riffs that complement Lynch's smoky vocals. The harmonizing of her vocals is most clear in this song, and she does a splendid job of it. While this isn't a ballad like "Song of Samael", I'm comfortable calling it a rock ballad that speaks from the perspective of a medium who faces their doubters.
11. The Queen of All Things Taken ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....l+Things+Taken )
One of my favorite songs on the album, this is a very groove-driven song. A Trip Hop beat complements the deep bass guitar that create a somewhat dark ambient atmosphere, even when the chorus brings with it Archer's guitar and Lynch's more pronounced vocals. While not quite dark in sound, the lyrics describe a character that goes by the "Queen of all things taken" that can show "what it means to lose". Overall this a beautiful song and a must listen.
12. Thirty Year War ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....hirty-Year+War )
The perfect closing for this album. This song is an ambient, spacey ballad that has echo all over it, turning it into something more dream-like. Beautiful is the word I would use to describe it as well as Lynch's singing (she shows she can actually sing in a traditional fashion). While the lyrics paint this picture of a war and POWs, it shows by the end that it truly is about redemption, of overcoming our human nature to be more than savage beasts that do what was talked about in the previous songs. This is undoubtedly the most uplifting song in the album and ends it on a gorgeous, inspiring, and positive note.
In the end
I don't usually do track by track reviews for full albums, but "Breedless" necessitates it. Overall the track is well produced artistry that will ensnare the mind, and fire up the imagination. While most of its subject matter is dark, it's actually a dark beauty that can be appreciated (unless you only ever listen to Bubblegum Pop). Ego Likeness shows that it is a mature band that knows how to make different aspects of different genres mesh and work well together. While there are a few tracks that aren't mind-blowing, they are from bad. Truly, this an album to buy. I give "Breedless" a solid 9 out of 10. Ego Likeness has found a hardcore fan in me.
Rating: 9/10
Currently "Breedless" is only available on iTunes, Amazon.co.uk (imported for £16.49) and Metropolis Records ($12.99): http://www.metropolis-mailorder.com.....rodnum=MET+633
Genre(s): Industrial Rock, Darkwave, Triphop
A Little Background
Formed in 1999, Ego Likeness presents musical artistry in its seductive, dark style with Donna Lynch's sultry vocals at the lead. In 2000, they released their debut album "Dragonfly" through the band's own label Angelfall. 2004 saw the band sign with Philadelphia-based label, Dancing Ferret Discs and released their second album "Water to the Dead". After the release of their third album, "The Order of the Reptile" in 2006 through DCD, the band went on to release the "Compass" EPs "South", "West", and "North" over the course of the next three years.
After Dancing Ferret Discs effectively closed its doors, Ego Likeness signed with Philadelphia label, Metropolis Records. Soon after, in April 2010, their fourth album, "Breedless" was released.
01. Sirens and Satellites ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9Las66_4bg )
A great opening track that starts with an acoustic guitar that leads into the proper rock-styled guitar. It was a bit of a surprise as I bought this album without knowing Ego Likeness' music beforehand. I had expected them to be purely an Industrial/Trip-Hop project. Donna Lynch's voice turns out to be like a siren's bewitching call, drawing you into the track and further into the album with its smoky texture.
In the lyrics booklet this is subtitled "LaSiren", and it shows why as it comes from the perspective of sirens speaking to potential victims. A dark subject, yet deliciously seductive when voiced by Lynch.
02. Breedless ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....less/Breedless )
This track from the beginning shows that it takes on more of the Industrial side of the band with thick synths and complementary guitar riffs. If Lynch's sultry vocals didn't catch you in the first track, they will here. With its darker lyrical delivery, this track also shows the darker side of the band by displaying a dislike for the artificial, negative aspects of mankind. This combines with the darker overall sound of this track to create a sinister, yet inspirational track that will make you want to sing along after a time.
03. Inferno ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....edless/Inferno )
Inferno kicks off with a groovy, yet heavy guitar riff and builds up until Lynch comes in with a more conventional vocal approach that is indicative of their Trip Hop side. This track unlike the first two is quite constant without much variation except an atmospheric break. Otherwise, it still a very solid track.
04. Now Until Forever ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....+Until+Forever )
Right off from the beginning, this track makes Ego Likeness' Trip Hop side very apparent with its beat. While I first had my doubts, the band proves they can blend that part of the project well with sequenced synths and guitar riffs. Lynch takes on a sort of 'dreamy' feel with her vocals. The lyrical content is written from the perspective of someone talking to their lover to meet them "at the crossroads". Don't be put off by this though, as the lyrics are very intelligent and Lynch is able to put through a sense of longing. This is another splendid track that deserves a lot of credit with how well produced it is and how all the components simply work.
05. The Devils in the Chemicals ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....+The+Chemicals )
Once again, EL's darker side emerges with Lynch's desperate-sounding vocal delivery and the manic instrumentals. The lyrical content isn't much in quantity, but the message is strong, basically saying that our faults are due to the "demons in the DNA". While pretty guitar driven, this track is very groovy and catchy, and would go great in a club.
06. Song for Samael ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....ong+For+Samael )
This is the ballad track of the album, and while it begins with a Dark Ambient intro and whispered echoing vocals from Lynch, the chorus proves that the song has a haunting beauty. The lyrics of this song look into the cruel, selfish side of the human psyche while praising religious figures like Moses for being idealized human beings ("I guess Moses was a better soul than I, I would've let my people drown"). In the end, the song peters out with an outro as dark as the intro. A splendid track to be sure.
07. South ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3O4KdgRfGs
This track is the most "Trip Hop" song on this album with its beat and synths. This a pretty good song with an Electro kind of feel, at least until the guitars kick in halfway. Lynch's vocals are similar to those in "LaSiren", just as entrancing. The lyrics can be taken both literally and figuratively. Figuratively, it speaks of "drowning" in the overwhelming indecision when faced with life-changing choices. Literally, it speaks of drowning in the seas and asking Leviathan to have mercy and "hold back your seas".
08. The Lowest Place on Earth ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....Place+On+Earth )
This track continues seamlessly from "South" and starts with a sweeping synth and plugging bass. As the single for the album aside from "South", I don't find it as single-worthy as the other tracks in the album. That is not to say that it isn't good with its Elecrto-styled stanzas and riff-laden chorus.
09. Everything is Poison ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....hing+Is+Poison )
This track is among the best in the album. It blends Trip Hop with Darkwave into a catchy, club-friendly song. Lynch's vocal delivery is a little more 'delicate' in this song, showing her ability to be diverse as a vocalist in terms of tone and textures. While the other tracks' lyrics are more complex, this quite plainly points out the hypocrisy of others when condemning people for their actions while excusing their own actions.
10. Seance ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....ss/S%C3%A9ance )
Despite the title, this is a very beat- rhythm-driven song full of instrumentals. It's dreamy synths back the guitar riffs that complement Lynch's smoky vocals. The harmonizing of her vocals is most clear in this song, and she does a splendid job of it. While this isn't a ballad like "Song of Samael", I'm comfortable calling it a rock ballad that speaks from the perspective of a medium who faces their doubters.
11. The Queen of All Things Taken ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....l+Things+Taken )
One of my favorite songs on the album, this is a very groove-driven song. A Trip Hop beat complements the deep bass guitar that create a somewhat dark ambient atmosphere, even when the chorus brings with it Archer's guitar and Lynch's more pronounced vocals. While not quite dark in sound, the lyrics describe a character that goes by the "Queen of all things taken" that can show "what it means to lose". Overall this a beautiful song and a must listen.
12. Thirty Year War ( http://www.last.fm/music/Ego+Likene.....hirty-Year+War )
The perfect closing for this album. This song is an ambient, spacey ballad that has echo all over it, turning it into something more dream-like. Beautiful is the word I would use to describe it as well as Lynch's singing (she shows she can actually sing in a traditional fashion). While the lyrics paint this picture of a war and POWs, it shows by the end that it truly is about redemption, of overcoming our human nature to be more than savage beasts that do what was talked about in the previous songs. This is undoubtedly the most uplifting song in the album and ends it on a gorgeous, inspiring, and positive note.
In the end
I don't usually do track by track reviews for full albums, but "Breedless" necessitates it. Overall the track is well produced artistry that will ensnare the mind, and fire up the imagination. While most of its subject matter is dark, it's actually a dark beauty that can be appreciated (unless you only ever listen to Bubblegum Pop). Ego Likeness shows that it is a mature band that knows how to make different aspects of different genres mesh and work well together. While there are a few tracks that aren't mind-blowing, they are from bad. Truly, this an album to buy. I give "Breedless" a solid 9 out of 10. Ego Likeness has found a hardcore fan in me.
Rating: 9/10
Currently "Breedless" is only available on iTunes, Amazon.co.uk (imported for £16.49) and Metropolis Records ($12.99): http://www.metropolis-mailorder.com.....rodnum=MET+633
