Celldweller, the alter ego of Klayton, and formerly of Circle of Dust, has put together an album that can only be characterized as NIN infused with a Rave/Techno drenched dance component. The result is a surprisingly good and very listenable descent into radio friendly pop culture. In order to make NIN an accessible listening choice across the board, Reznor would have to carve the rough edges off his dark ambient styles. And since that may never happen, it is open to bands and personas such as Celldweller to manipulate the style and create a fusion of darkness and industrial music with danceable qualities.

Most of the songs on this disc are instantly appealing for NIN and industrial fans. With 18 songs that range from sociological detachment (not to Reznor’s level but serious nonetheless) to very strong, radio friendly compositions. Every song is a richly layered work that incorporates varied vocals with drums and synths. The key to this album is in it’s danceability and clever mixture of lyrical disconnect and frenetic approach.

The first hint of what you’re in for is found in the first 25 seconds of the disc as it increasingly steps up the tone and segues into a very interesting “Switchback” that merges 80s era vocals in with 90s styled industrialized setting. This mix works well and produces the first radio quality offering. These songs continue as the album moves forward in dance club mode with nice stylistic efforts. As an aside, some of these songs, but most importantly, the composer, would be an excellent addition to the next Blade movie.

With “Under My Feet”, an acoustic guitar supplies a more sedate environment that builds to the intensity that sounds more Reznor/NIN like. Celldweller takes his turn in the dark swirl with his “Frozen”, not relinquishing his dance beats but creating a hybrid that shows style. It continues with “Afraid This Time” but becomes fully effective with “Fadeaway”. The best song of the set, “Unlikely (Stay With Me)” is a superb confection of synth and female vocals with acoustic guitar giving a delightful and effective mix that can be enjoyed in multiple settings.

The disc comes with a six page, tri-fold glossy insert with photos, lyrics, and credits.

This collection of techno fused vocals supply a good dose of club music that should be used in every DJ’s set for all its diversity and qualitative styles. Celldweller is a good disc that will please dance fans.

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Celldweller
Celldweller

Released: February 11, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 69:55
Tracks: 18
Produced by: Klayton
Engineered by: Klayton & Grant Mohrman
Mastered by: Erik Wolf
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: P Position Records
Website:
www.celldweller.com

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Switchback
Stay With Me (Unlikely)
The Last Firstborn
Under My Feet
I Believe You
Frozen
Symbiont
Afraid This Time
Fadeaway
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So Sorry To Say
Own Little World
Unlikely (Stay With Me)
One Good Reason
The Stars of Orion
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Welcome To The End