The Fair Sex - Fine.We're Alive
The Fair Sex - Fine.We're Alive
Whether you call them electro, industrial, or Electronic Body Music, there's no doubt that The Fair Sex are one of the originals. Hailing from the appropriately industrial German town of Essen , they started out in '85 when industrial meant Einsturzende Neubauten and Test Dept., with nary a poppy keyboard line within earshot. But since establishing themselves in the Skinny Puppy mold, they have not shifted one iota. At least not as far as we can tell, since their new album like their first U.S. release "Machine Bites" is a collection of old songs dated back to before their last album, "Labyrinth". This is strictly formula stuff, a soundscape created by drum programs and staccato keyboard lines, enlivened by the thunderous arrival of giant slabs of distorted guitar which like most T. Rexes in The Lost World just sit there and roar. The best track "No Excuse" is a poppier more melodic tune that gives the band's darkness more breathing room. But overall, what this album longs for is a breath of fresh air. Fine you are alive. Now give us some new material. - Dave Kendall, Bikini Magazine