Assemblage 23 Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
With his previous two records, Assemblage 23's Tom Shear has proven to be one of the most consistent artists in EBM. Though it varies little from Defiance and is just a notch below Failure in terms of impact, Storm can certainly stand on its own. The lyrics are just as powerful as anything Shear has written and, set to cosmic synth and propulsive dance beats, they create an emotional tidal wave of pain and loss. The encompassing "Human" begins the album with the words "There have been times throughout my life when I fell so far/I thought I'd never stand again/I watched my dreams depart." From there, Storm doesn't let up. Shear sometimes recycles his own phrases ("endless loop," "chaos rains"), but it's hardly an issue when the music is this strong. And though "Let the Wind Erase Me" is the first single, any of these ten tracks are just as worthy of that honor. "I feel insignificant, never have I ever felt so small," Shear bellows in "Infinite." He has also never sounded so confident. ~ Kenyon Hopkin, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Welding together dance beats, slick melodies, and moody vocals, Assemblage 23's Tom Shear crosses the catchy synth pop of Depeche Mode with the dark grooves of industrial on Defiance. Always danceable, always a little disturbing, tracks like "Opened" never lose their pulsating momentum, while grittier numbers like "Drive" skillfully echo New Order by pairing bittersweet synthesizer swells with relentless electro groans. "Cocoon," one of the slowest tracks on the album at 81 beats per minute, is spare, scary, and dreamy. "Maps of Reality" is just the opposite -- fast, on the edge, virtually out of control. Defiance might seem a little repetitive to average rock & roll fans, but for listeners looking to return to the gray emotions of '80s, late-Cold War synth pop, Assemblage 23 is unbeatable. ~ Charles Spano, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like most electronica projects, Assemblage 23 is most enjoyable at around 3 a.m. with smoke-streak strobes the only scenery, but unlike most of the band's peers, there's an accessibility that transcends the clubs. Essentially an outlet for Tom Shear with the assistance of studio musicians, the project developed a cult following in the goth-dance circuit with a sound that comes through in symmetrical fashion on his fourth full-length, Addendum; it shows that past covers of '80s new wave classics such as "I Ran" were not out of character, but an extension of what he does best: updating Depeche Mode's more sullen yet surprisingly frenetic dance beats with cheesy (but not in a bad way) keyboards and spoken-drone vocals. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After such a powerful debut release, Failure was a much-anticipated follow-up from electro act Assemblage 23. Tom Shear did not disappoint, and Failure transcended any expectation. The sound of Assemblage 23 has evolved into something darker and more refined, and Shear has more to say. The combination of these elements leaves a release that is energetic, emotive, and uses sound in an original way. Failure opens with one the strongest tracks. "Naked" is honest and uplifting despite the heavy dance beat and smooth electro melody. "I Am the Rain" and "Disappoint" are equally danceable, but again Shear has not compromised the complexities of his harmonies or the gravity of the music in doing this. Tracks such as "Tried" and "Longevity" slow the pace, allowing Shear's heavy vocals to take the fore over percussive synth melodies and sweeps. "King of Insects" juxtaposes haunting melodies over the energy of breakbeats as the artist stretches the limits of the genre in a truly accomplished conclusion to the release. There is enough going on with this release, musically and emotionally, that it will demand repeat listenings. These traits mix to form what could be one of the most important releases of the genre. ~ Theo Kavadias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tom Shears' debut release as Assemblage 23 is a powerful tour through a broken emotional landscape. Pulsing electro melodies hover over ethereal sweeps of sound and play against the sometimes complex rhythms and beats. On top of the layers of sound, Shears' rich vocals resurrect the notion of undistorted vocals in electro music. The mix of moods varies, ranging from upbeat at the album's beginning ("Surface," one of the few tracks sporting vocal distortion), to melancholy minimalist ("Sun"), to plain scary (such as the pounding melodies of "Skyquake"). "Purgatory" has all the makings of a genre classic -- uplifting melody, contrast and complexity, and a stable dance beat. The three remixes at the end provide an interesting contrast and fresh perspective on the album, featuring artists from Pain Station and THD. Despite the album's strengths, some listeners may find that there isn't the variety of sound to hold their interest (arguably partly due to the mastering of the album, which at times can seem flat). This is the only weakness on an otherwise impressive debut album, which solidly puts Assemblage 23 on the map of electro music. ~ Theo Kavadias, All Music Guide
