Recently signed to Gashed!, Assemblage 23 has been creating intriguing music for a few years.  Up until recently, A 23's sounds could only be heard on several compilations and via his own self-released demos. Now that Assemblage 23 is on a burgeoning new electro label, this demo, released last fall, will probably be the last self-released EP from Mr. Tom Shear.  Surface is the first track of this 4-track demo.  Intermixing erratic and catchy synth lines with galloping beats and pulsating rhythms, Surface only begins to scratch the surface of the elaborate sounds Tom is capable of.  What is really nice about this piece is Tom's vocals, which fall somewhere between synth-pop and angst ridden electo.  It's so great to hear variety within vocals, rather than your standard, distorted, 'in your face' style that far too many bands rely upon.  Skyquake (V.3) begins with a mild electro pattern and low-key vocals that slowly creep out of the speakers before assaulting the listener with brutal beats, dark sequences, and Tom's distinct vocals.  I can't help but think of Covenant during certain parts of Bi-Polar, an extremely catchy electro dance track with rapid-fire beats, compelling sequences, and dense vocals.  Lastly, Pages is a semi-noisy >electro piece with dark vocals and thunderous beat programming that give this track a very 'eerie' and 'creepy' feel to it.  It is so easy to see why Gashed! jumped at the opportunity to sign Assemblage 23 and I am truly surprised that it took this long for a label to give Tom a chance to be heard on a wider scale.  Congrats to him and I'm positive that after his debut CD is released, you too will understand why I believe that his music is so remarkable.