Skyshaper

Once one reads the band's own bio and discovers that much of Covenant's music has been influenced by the film Blade Runner, it's difficult to avoid looking deep into the Swedish trio's lyrics to find references to the philosophical examination of man versus machine or God versus man. On their sixth record, it's in there somewhere, especially with lyrics such as "We are the men/Silent and cold." The now-veteran band also continues its club-friendly EBM, which plays like new romantic artists Human League or Gary Numan with twice the tempo. Although there isn't anything as memorable and catchy as "Dead Stars" or "We Want Revolution," the vocals from Eskil Simonsson are immediately recognizable, while the seven-minute opener, "Ritual Noise," is strong enough to pull your body right into its dark synth and beats. Other highlights include the surprisingly cute "Happy Man" and "The Men," despite its minimal lyrics. "Sweet & Salty" is a misfire with its spoken lyrics and uncharacteristic title. They exit with the fitting "The World Is Growing Loud," where the lyrics "It's time for us to fade to grey/I wish they'll let us stay" again remind you of their debt to the new romantics. ~ Kenyon Hopkin

スウェーデンが生んだボディー・ミュージック界の大物、コヴナントによる6枚目のアルバム。無機質なエレクトロ・ビートにダークウェイヴ風シンセ、体温の低そうな自意識過剰ヴォーカル……と、イアン・カーティスが生きてるのにニュー・オーダーになってしまったようなアッパー&冷血サウンドがカッコイイ!　ロック・ファンには無条件でオススメだし、アウトプットやタイガースシあたりの音が好きな人も聴いてみてね!
bounce (C)大原 かおり