I'm already looking forward to their next album..., 28 Jul 2003

With their first record on the Wasp Factory label, DeathBoy have released some new material alongside re-recorded versions of some of their older songs. New versions of older tracks, such as "Decimate," are reinvigorated and include much more guitar than their earlier counterparts do. At first, this is a bit of a surprise if the listener is used to hearing the earlier versions of the songs, but in the end it adds a lot to the material. Brand new work, such as "Computer #1," is quite possibly some of DeathBoy's best and fits in very well among the older work.

None of this is to say, however, that "Music to Crash Cars to" is some sort of anger obsessed death metal album. There are no notable moments of insanity-driven screaming at the top of the singer's voice, and guitar solos aren't exactly abundant on the album either. While tracks such as "hellisontheway" could easily find a place on modern rock radio, other songs such as the beat-based "Heat Death" and "I Know You Know" tend to take on darker, more introspective and brooding tones.

The only song that seems out of place on the album is the Apocalypse Remix of "Change." While it is still done well for the type of song it is, it remains the only song based on an actual techno beat, and its placement at track #9 (the middle of the album) is a bit odd. To be honest, I skip it more often than not.

At this point in time, a significant number of goth/industrial artists have fallen into the abysmal let's-go-write-lyrics-to-raver-music category. With an as yet small but loyal fanbase, I expect DeathBoy will eventually release a follow-up of all new material to this release. While nothing is certain yet, with enough support there's no question they'll be able to pour some new life and originality into the genre.

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Storming Debut, 28 May 2003

How to describe DeathBoy's music? Industrial meets dance, techno meets metal, breakbeats and distorted guitars fused together with a punkish energy, with lyrics that feel like a knife twisting deep into your guts. It's the best night out you've ever had, mixed with the comedown of the morning after. A fine addition to the Wasp Factory stable, DeathBoy's unique musical blend is sure to leave you breathless and begging for more.

The lyrics? Insightful, soulful, yet pop-song catchy. You'll find yourself singing on the bus, to looks of disgust from the OAP sat next to you. Political in some places, in others deeply personal, yet elsewhere raging with self-hatred and nihilistic anger. It's catharsis through music, both for the creator and the listener. It's something you need to hear.

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