Various - Distention - Alterculture Records Label Sampler mp3 album

MINDLESS FAITH prove themselves worthy of picking up the crown of NIN and KMFDM if ever they were to lose sight of their goal, stumble and fall. They certainly have the power and compositional prowess of these two groups, yet would probably sit as comfortably in the company of DEPECHE MODE. Their songs have more hook than Candyman, Freddy Kruger and Peter Pan's arch enemy put together, sinking the spiky blade deep within you, splashing colour in catchy and distinctive tunes. Their music can be found on MP3 here and there making them well worth checking out.RAUDIVE VOICES are another group you can check out free and gratis on the Internet. I found a version of the calming "Flicker" which has a sound not unlike a Goth misty reflection caught in a cracked and warped mirror. The remaining two tracks show completely different sides to this group - portray them as soul cousins of FRONT 242 given a darker and sometimes more raw atmosphere. "Dessau #" sounds like they have created a mutant hybrid of MATT JOHNSON and TRENT REZNOR - raw Industrial damaged rhythms during their periodic breakdown meets whispering ballad.MINDLESS FAITH & RAUDIVE VOICES are hard acts to follow, but GEARS GRINDING SLOWLY rise to the occasion with their strong, slow, pondrous dance sound, moodily sub-Goth, knotted in complex layers of electronics, with burning manganese slithers distorting beneath the clarity of the drums and keyboards. Like the two groups they deserve further exploration. Out of the two I prefered the rich you understated lead piano tune, plucked languidly to hang on the air.THE UNQUIET VOID bring us the next three tracks. Their sound follows the previous pieces perfectly, although less structured and with less distinctive tunes, they still manage to create a bright if a little colour-bleached (fuzzy noise covering plenty of airspace, even if it does give the pieces a vitality they may otherwise lack) structure. In some ways it reminds me of (very) early ATTRITION with the tempo slowed down a tad. They even nod towards more Ethnic Influenced music - not unlike a fast hybrid of LIGHTS IN A FAT CITY and ATARAXIA (without the distinctive vocals). The name makes them sound like a PROJEKT group, although they are probably too in-yer-face for that label.VIVID LIQUID bring us the final two tracks - the first a grandiose affair which carries a distinct theme throughout a variety of changes and makes you feel that they are probably frustrated film soundtrack composers making music for imaginary movies. The second is a larger, more messy piece which nevertheless reinforces this opinion.All in all this is an excellent album introducing some worthy talent and there are no real low points (although the highs are fields ahead!). Try the sound of the first couple of groups - their music is at least to be found on IUMA and probably many of the other MP3 sites. And when you decide you like what you hear, invest in this album to find further proof of their excellent quality and colourful sound.Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.