BATTERY - Aftermath
Songs: 11  Time:  63:50
Welcome to the angst-ridden world of Maria.  Backed by her cohorts in suffering (Shawn and Evan), Maria puts on display (what seems to be one) of the most difficult times of her life.  The outcome is Aftermath, a CD full of passionate hate and fervent loathing.  Just a quick glance at some of the lyrics and it's painfully obvious that someone has done something emotionally scarring to Ms. Maria.  The title track combines Maria's fiery vocals with Shawn and Evan's dense programming.  Whereas most bands seem to try to place as much music behind the vocals as is tolerable, the guys in Battery seem to only add in just enough to allow Maria's voice to carry out the piece.  Aftermath is a darker sounding piece that gives way to the slightly lighter sounds of Betrayal.  The music of Betrayal is less fierce than that behind Aftermath and, while they still seem to deal with similar thoughts and ideas, the vocals/lyrics are not nearly as boisterous.  Pity is a slower track with a wet rhythm, moderately paced beats, and vocals that are much less assertive in nature.  Don't let that fool you though, Maria's lyrics still retain that biting edge that is found throughout the entire CD.  Strike flows along with a steady, grinding beat, hollow sounding vocals, and staticy synths.  The amazing thing about this track is that although it is slower in nature, it still has an abundance of power behind it.  Never Left sports thunderous beats, ebbing vocals, and clamorous synths.  This track, like many of the others, is only moderately paced.  The music behind The Last of August is synth-pop in nature and even Maria's vocals are lighter in nature.  The surprise of the album is a cover of The Cure's All Cats are Grey.  On this piece the music is subtle, ethereal, and practically beatless.  Maria does an excellent job with the vocals, giving them her own unique edge. Aftermath, like all other Battery albums, is a masterpiece from start to finish and there is really no reason why anyone would not enjoy this CD.
            
COP
981 Aileen St.
Oakland, CA 94608
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Battery is:
Maria / Sean / Evan
Contact Battery @
PO Box 99533
Emeryville, CA 94662
USA
e-mail: battery@sirius.com
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 http://www.batteryinflux.com