IAMX
(Metropolis)
When it comes to music, there are times we all discover diamonds in the rough - hidden treasures for the ear that are so pristine, so lush and so near-perfect, that you want to share it with the world. Such a diamond is Kingdom of Welcome Addiction, the third album by Berlin based IAMX. The evolution of IAMX, lead by masterful minstrel and fashion chameleon Chris Corner, began with the dazzling, sexually-charged electro-pop debut Kiss+Swallow, later followed by the dark, guitar-driven dance beats of The Alternative. For their third outing, IAMX once again evolves, taking the heart and soul of its predecessors, yet this time ditching their traditional dance-rock beats and going for a more epic, personal, and therapeutic sound. This is definitely Corner's most personal and mature work to date.
"Nature of Inviting" is a strong, dance rhythm opener, and the most Kiss + Swallow-ish the album is going to get, but next up we're knocked to the floor with title track, "Kingdom of Welcome Addiction." It's here when we get hit with a metamorphosis and wall of sounds, not to mention strong vocals by Corner. In "Tear Garden," it sounds as if the band ditched all keyboards and synths and went for piano and nice, strong percussion, resulting in some sort of ethereal lounge number you just want to snap your fingers and sing along to. One of the album's finest moments is "I Am Terrified"-a haunting and gripping ballad of pain and addiction. It's here where Corners evokes a large amount of emotion as the song builds up to an epic climax featuring powerful vocals by Corner. "I am terrified/ I think too much/I get emotional when I drink too much/I buy every cry, because I don't trust," he sings.
"Think of England" is the guitar anthem of the album that's very reminiscent of ‘90s era U2, only better. Those underwhelmed by the latest Depeche Mode album might dig "An I For An I," a gritty and distorted electro-rock number that sounds like something Martin Gore and David Gahan should be going for. Things come to conclusion in a bittersweet sort of way with the moving and fragile "Running." It's here where Corner displays his tender side and evokes a massive sense of vulnerability and emotion. It's one of those songs that sweeps you up, pierces you, then gently heals you only to do it all over again with each listen. One could argue that this is IAMX's best album, but comparing Kingdom to Kiss + Swallow and The Alternative is like that old saying, comparing apples to oranges. Either way, like its title suggests, this album will certainly become an addiction for anyone who takes a listen. If this album should ever awaken the deaf ears of The Recording Academy, it would most certainly deserve a Grammy nomination.
Standout Tracks: "Nature of Inviting," "I Am Terrified," "The Great Shipwreck of Life," "Running" GIL MACIAS
