Diffuzion – Still Believe (Digital EP – Alfa Matrix)
Genre/Influences: Body-pop, industrial-pop.
Background/Info: Diffuzion is achieving their 3rd full length album. It’s now 5 years ago that they released their last opus (cf. “Winter Cities”) while their last EP (cf. “Insomnia”) was released in 2013. I honestly never understood why this Belarusian formation never gained more recognition, but they now have to start a new offensive to get more fans.
Content: The EP features 3 new songs plus 3 remixes. The new tracks reveal a rougher approach in sound, which makes me think of an industrial-pop format. Diffuzion sounds angry and driven by rage, which has been transposed into raw sound treatments mixed with danceable vibes and an evasive atmosphere on top.
Their singer Xev not only is a beautiful young woman, she also is the right vocalist for this kind of music. The vocals mix spooky and half-whispering parts and the familiar, sensual and sweet way of singing.
There’s an interesting list of remixers on the second part of the EP. Remixes have been accomplished by Aesthetische, Mlada Fronta, Implant and Jean-Marc Lederman (Weathermen, Ghost & Writer) while Diffusion has accomplished one remix as well.
+ + + : Diffuzion remains pretty faithful to their pop-inspiration, but they seriously boosted their sound to get it harder and somewhat industrial-like. The title song is not exactly my favorite one, but “Cycle” totally convinced me. It not only is a dynamic and danceable cut, but it has been composed with intelligence.
There are several cool remixes featured and I especially like the diversity of the artists. My absolute favorites are the more traditional and somewhat old-school minded EBM driven remix of “The Blessed” by Diffusion and all the complexity and intelligence of Implant remixing the title song.
– – – : It’s all about taste and preferences, but the title song, in my opnion is the least convincing cut from the list although it’s a cool track.
Conclusion: Diffuzion is back on track and this EP is a real strong taster to welcome to new album.
Best songs: “Cycle”, “The Blessed”, “The Blessed – Duffuzion Powermix”, “Still Believe – Implant Remix”.
Rate: (8).
Band: www.diffuzion.org / www.facebook.com/diffuzion
Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix
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