Krebs – Blood and Stone (EP review) |Machine Man Records, 2017| 
1. Blood and Stone, 2. Vulnerable Outline, 3. Razor Tree
Blood and Stone is the 2nd EP of Krebs, released in 2017. The band is the brainchild of Michael Haggerty (lyrics, vocals, programming, keyboards, guitars, and bass).
Blood and Stone EP offers 3 high quality electronic songs. Even though moods as well as subgenres (such as dark electro, electronic rock) vary between each song, the EP's concept is consistent.
The opening song pleasantly develops until the very last note. The composition is based on a steady tempo with beats supporting various but always delicately organized arrangements. These are shared between memorable verses and the chorus which can be sung along with the vocalist. Michael's voice is soft here, and feels a bit lonely and distant.
Guitar riffs accented in the following 'Vulnerable Outline' firmly place it in electronic rock. The solid rhythm is occasionally shattered by noises and repetitive vocals. The track is memorable and short enough to become a potential hit, especially if accompanied by a suitable video. Fans of Marilyn Manson or Skinny Puppy should dig the song from the very first listening.
'Razor Tree', on the contrary, brings an uplifting, almost sunny mood. It's a perfect track that not only sounds good as it is but could also play its part really well as a component of an advertising campaign.
It should be noted that excellent the audio quality, mastering, and production enhance the listening experience of this release quite a lot. Grab it as soon as you can, whether you're deep into alternative electronic music or a listener of many tastes.
(Reviewer: Katarzyna 'Draconina' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Industrial Rock & Metal Encyclopedia, October 31st, 2018. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
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Katarzyna Draconina Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist
Krebs – The Last Place on Earth (EP review) |Machine Man Records, 2017| 1. The Hollow, 2. When Hands Go Still, 3. Umbra, 4. Moonlit Window
Krebs is an electronic music project of Michael Haggerty (lyrics, vocals, programming, keyboards, guitars and bass) founded in Philadelphia in 2012. He released two EPs in 2017 – The Last Place on Earth is followed by Blood and Stone.
A mysterious, ambient mood opens the EP with 'The Hollow', which is the longest track on this release. The chorus’ rhythm appears soon after the quick intro, but then slows down serving as the core for following verse arrangements. The track has an open composition which allows for many various elements to be placed throughout. Here, melancholic dark wave meets the brighter side of the electronic genre, while the vocals remain calm and balanced.
'When Hands Go Still' sounds very goth through operating on a low level of dynamics and a characteristic vibrated guitar riff appearing next to percussive parts. Compared to other tracks on the EP, the soft vocals receive an additional voice effect here. The mood isn't too dark, as a variety of silenced, lighter, and colder synth sounds appear between the cues.
On the other hand, 'Umbra' is a fully instrumental song which influences listener's imagination through its scenic, ocean-like waves of peaceful ambient arrangements and inner beauty. It could easily make for a soundtrack candidate for a movie with both futuristic and historical motifs (just like Highlander), thanks to utilizing newer electronica and traditional instruments side by side.
'Moonlit Window' (the last song) returns to the dark wave themes previously brought by 'When Hands Go Still'. Arrangements become one with carefully placed vocals and are distributed skillfully, letting the composition enchant the listeners with its instrumental lines and Michael's voice. There's something creepy going on in the background too, accompanied by sounds of an electric bolt and wind chimes at the song's end.
The Last Place on Earth EP offers darker moods than songs released on Blood and Stone. It's almost as if Michael wrote them to suit listeners during all four seasons of the year – the former fits the fall/winter time, while the latter is great for spring and summer. Get both EPs and reach out to the musician to let him know how much you liked the songs!
(Reviewer: Katarzyna 'Draconina' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Industrial Rock & Metal Encyclopedia, October 31st, 2018. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
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Buy on: Bandcamp