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.
