Chris Connelly
Artificial Madness
Rating
Style: Electro Rock
Release date: 8 November, 2011
Playing time: 39:00
 

Known by many as a member of Ministry and Revolting Cocks, Chris Connelly has a very different side to him than the scourging audio attacks of said outfits. 'Artificial Madness' isn't madness in the sense that we're used to from his hands. There is little madness in this electro pop-rock album, in fact. It's got teeth, yes, or, well, a bit, anyway, but it's mostly fairly radio friendly.

If you know the '1. Outside' album by David Bowie, you'll soon be feel a dejá vú when listening to 'Artificial Madness'. Nor is Connelly's voice a far cry from Bowie's ditto, neither can Connelly run away from the obvious similarities with Bowie's mid-nineties try-out for a more modern sounding, electronically influenced rock music.

Is this a good or a bad thing? I honestly can't make up my mind. On the one side, many of the songs have a great groove and there is a fair amount of catchiness in there as well, but on the whole...only few of songs really stand out and make a lasting impression (as you can see from the date above, I've had this one for a long time - yes, shame on me, and I've listened to it quite a few times, actually, and still I can't remember the songs from one spin to the next).


The Modern Swine has a Pixies pace and feel more than anything, and is probably the song I like the best apart from opener and title track Artificial Madness.

Listen without prejudice and judge for yourself. I'm not entirely convinced even. It's a nice enough listen, but not a classic.


Tracklist
01. Artificial Madness
02. Wait for Amateur
03. Classically Wounded
04. Cold Blood in Present Company
05. Compatibility
06. Modern Swine
07. Imperfect Star
08. Paraffin Hearts
09. Subjects
10. Goner
11. Career in Falsehood
Label: Relapse Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 40/100
Reviewed by: Thomas Nielsen
Date: 5 February, 2012
Website: chrisconnelly.com