Ever heard of CrimsonFaced? No? Why not? I demand you tell me what rock you've been living under that you do not know CrimsonFaced. They are only the most important voice to hit the rock scene in years! Actually, I'm kidding about all of that. Before getting my hands on a copy of their latest, Lunatic Binge, I had never heard them either. And no, I do not see them as a particularly important voice on the scene. I mean, come on, there are precious few artists these days that merit the tag of important voice. That said, this is an ambitious and striking album that deserves to be given a chance as you may be surprised by what you find.
CrimsonFaced is the brainchild of musician Mike E.T. Love him, hate him, you cannot deny that the man has a vision. The music here is a labor of love with a dash of hate and rolled in spices that grow in the dark recesses of the mind. He is not afraid to let the song take over and break free from his writing, taking the listener on a psychedelic trip through catchy rock and roll excursions. At the same time the artist forges down an original path it does not shy away from letting his influences shine through. Listen closely and you get hints of Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, and others. I swear I even got hints of INXS and God Lives Underwater in there. It is a fine line to walk between serious artist and someone biting on the talents of others. CrimsonFaced successfully threads the needle and in turn creates something that is more than the sum of its influence.
The music brings together all manner of sounds under its umbrella. Mike E.T. is not content to be restricted by traditional rock elements. In addition layers of guitars, drums, bass, and keys, you have synthesizers, processed voices, random sounds, and other oddities all blended together for the good of the music.
CrimsonFaced does not waste anytime dragging you into their world of oddities. The album opens with a slow electronic drum beat and some bass notes with a synthesized voice whispering something like "aaaaaw sexy..." before kicking into a rocking groove as the vocals kick in with the song. The song is called "Pretty People" and it may be the bastard cousin of Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People." In no time at all you are given a window into what CrimsonFaced is all about. Rock songs with a twist, heavy on groove, highly experimental will remaining accessible, and personal.
Article comments
1 - Paul Kurzweil
As the person who co-produced and mixed a good part of this album, I'd like to personally thank you for your (surprisingly) useful and lucid review.
The fact that you recognized that the special effects enhance instead of distract puts a smile on my face.
Your comment about it seeming familiar and accessible yet unlike anything you've heard in a while is quite appreciated as well!
I'm slowly but surely teaching The Alien how to produce and engineer himself while not overshadowing his amazing talent as a guitarist!