DEMO OF THE MONTH, June 2000 (Issue 77)
"Kinda industrial these guys-with a smattering of drum ’n’bass, and some very credible pop sensibilities to boot. An exceptionally well-selected drum loop kicks things off to perfection before maniac guitars, wonderfully squelchy basses and what can only be described as grooves to die for enter the mental fray. Without wishing to defame the Perfect Virus crew, there’s an energy present here akin to Jesus Jones and Tears For Fears, but, unlike those guys today, it’s fortunately not locked in a time capsule. Taking influences that are obviously close to the heart of Perfect Virus is paramount; and these stretch from Nine Inch Nails to Filter and Aphex Twin. Strange combinations, perhaps, but ones that slot wonderfully into the whole ethos at work here. In terms of production and general feel, it’s a joy too: all the parts are well selected and well thought-out. Ya know when U2 did Pop, or even Achtung Baby! yet retained all their credibility? Well, that’s kind of what Perfect Virus are about. All they need to do now is get their asses on the road, get some serious rawk attitude, and get back into a studio with that whole attitude exaggerated and even more credible. Neil Sahgal, the ReBirth and Logic Audio Platinum brains behind PV is in a seriously strong position to really make a stab at having a style named after him. And with a bit more dedication, it's only gonna be a matter of time."
Review by DSP
'This Day'-"This track has some great sounds and solid vocals. The composition fuses between ballad and electronica. Nice quick changes to keep the listener hooked. Always nice to hear the guitar being used and again some super clean production. This song could be a hit."
Review by Pete Baldwin
'Spit' - "Aaaah, there's nothing like some unadulterated industrial brain electrocution. This track is interesting, and Perfect Virus seem to be experimenting with quite a few genres here. To describe it: imagine taking a nice buzzy synth intro ala electro industrial style, a pseudo punk verse, and a vaguely reminiscent of Metallica end crescendo, and a DnB beat thrown in for good measure. These are the elements this track blends, and they seem to have pulled it off, the track as whole works well, evolves through the genres, and builds to the powerful crescendo. I'm not sure if I like the song, not keen on the punk verses, but thats my subjective opinion; however I really like the end section, the way the guitars build, the chords harmonise and get thicker. I also like the vocals in this section, kind of brooding. The dnb beat in this section is interesting, but I'm not sure if it has much impact other than being symbolic, the guitar power chords take the centre stage. Overall, I reckon a few listens to this track and it would grow on me quite a lot, plays around with genres, and its nice to see the boundaries being pushed a little. Definately worth a listen."
Review by Ewan Dinkins
'Ashes' - "Listening to Ashes. God -- those vocals are spooky. Very cleanly recorded. I looked around the room for who was speaking until it dawned on me that it was in my headphones. I like the production, the guitar 2/3rds in hits you upside the head..."
Review by Joaquim
'When Words Bleed' - "The song starts off with a great tremolo and panning effect that gives the listener a hunch that this might be some exceptional electronic music. After that comes a nice cymbal beat which immediately gives that trademark industrial feel. Although the Moog-like sound that follows almost sounds like it's straight out of Queen's Flash Gordon soundtrack, it fits in great with the excellent semi-distorted beat that quickly establishes a groove. I like the off-beat hi-hat. The beat manages to repeat quite a few times without getting too boring, although people who aren't into NIN or Aphex Twin might be asking "When's this song gonna start, anyway?" half-way through the song. Personally, I like a bit of monotony in industrial songs -- it helps achieve the psychadelic element that I feel is the essence of industrial music. I think you've succeeded in capturing that essence in this song, bringing a different groove to a basic NIN concept. Yes folks, there's a piano ending, which might be a bit cliché by now, but I like it anyway since I've been trying to emulate that style for some time now and I haven't even come close...this is a great song, and I'm definately keeping it. Great stuff!"
Review by Neurobox
'Regrets' - "personally this song was great, you had something in this tune that in the others you didnt: an emotional connection with the tune, i felt it! great beginning with the orchestra and the progress of the song was even better. as for your vocals it goes well with it on this tune. overall - you actually took me away - good job!"
Review by Greg Aldrich
'Wooden' - "Wooden, What can I say. vox outstanding! You have a new fan!"
