And now for something completely different...

Good evening constant reader.

The following entry is going to break with tradition, but as I've stated before, this is my blog and I can do that.
What follows is my review of a new CD from a band you may not have heard of, but need to, especially if you're into dark wave music.

It's show time folks!


 
 

In a nutshell, if you like dark wave music, then you'll find Sapphire Rebellion much to your liking.

Their latest CD, Pocketful of X-Rays is just what the doctor ordered.

Front man Tim Curry has an impressive pedigree.
Beginning in 1992, he was one of the founding members of the dark wave group The Cruxshadows. Exiting as their lead guitarist, Tim left in 1997.
In 2002, Tim took on production duties and helped hone the group Girls on Film into a nationally known band.
In 2004, he assisted  former Cruxshadow band member, Stacey Campbell by producing two of her tracks, "Read Your Mind" and "Within".
Since then Curry has worked to promote Sapphire Rebellion as a national act, touring the east coast frequently. 

Here's the skinny:

Genre: Dark Wave

Artist: Sapphire Rebellion

CD Title: Pocketful of X-Rays

Year released: 2011

Band Members:
Tim Curry: guitar, vocals, synth, programming, mastering

Jay Godin: drums, programming

Platinum Dragon Productions

Track List:
1. Radio Commander

2. Hot Little Number

3. No Memories of Angel

4. What I Meant

5. X-Ray Eyes

6. Why Me?

7. This Day Will Pass

8. See Her Again

Pocketful Of X-Rays hits the nail on the head. 

The opening strains of Radio Commander will have your foot tapping straight away. I loved the keyboards on this.

In No Memories of Angel, at the last, Tim's voice soars and I break out in goose bumps every time at the anguish in his voice.

X-Ray Eyes is another stand out with a awesome hook.

The entire groove of Pocketful of X-Rays is filled with catchy melodies and attention to detail.

Godin's drums mix it up and don't pump out the same rhythm song after song.
Curry's guitar is smashing and masterful.
Bass lines accentuate the drums making for a solid rhythm section.
Keyboards soar.

Curry's vocals are well crafted and enunciated...you can understand the lyrics.

Curry's compositions are aurally satisfying. And if you don't know what "aurally" means, get thee to a dictionary.

Sapphire Rebellion sounds like...well...Sapphire Rebellion.
Comparisons have been made to and I hear the influences of Sisters of Mercy and David Bowie, but SR has it's own sound.

The musicianship is honed to perfection and wasn't mastered or recorded in a traditional studio, but you'd never know it.

I like Pocketful of X-Rays and have it on my iPod, and listen to it frequently.
Any downsides to it?
Wish there were more than 8 songs. But that's not much of a down side.

If you're lucky enough to live in the eastern part of the country and Sapphire Rebellion is playing in your town, run, don't walk to see them.

I'm pretty sure the rest of the country is going to get a taste soon enough.

CDs by Sapphire Rebellion:
Conspiracy Theory 2010
Pocketful Of X-Rays 2011
Both can be acquired through the band website www.sapphirerebellion.com/products-page
For more information, please see the SR Facebook page: Sapphire Rebellion on Facebook