Reading the blurb and seeing that this, the fourth studio album from Canadians The Birthday Massacre, featured the same producer, David Ogilvie, who has worked with Marilyn Manson, Skinny Puppy and Killing Joke, I was looking forward to giving this a listen.

Researching and finding that The Birthday Massacre were officially formed in 1999, known at that time as Imagica, a name taken from a novel by Clive Barker, really perked my interest up and opener 'In the Dark' didn't disappoint : heavy, driving and as good a facsimile of the early Evanescence sound I've heard. But from then on where did the Human League record come from? This is, as you would say, very definitely a gothic-style release but not from the Bauhaus, Sisters Of Mercy, Alien Sex Fiend mode, the vocals are just too happy sounding, I'm sure some marketing wag would call it ethereal!!!

I would pin this as 80's influenced rock electronica, vocally there are elements of Liz Frazier (Cocteau Twins) but no personality or quirkiness. The image seems to be there but the music doesn't live up to the image...shame. The album does, however, have its moments, usually when the band move away from the electronic and bring the guitars to the fore.

They are about to tour, with a date in Bristol's Thekla the nearest to ÜRHQ. If you pick up the first single, 'In The Dark', and attend on the strength of that track then it won't be what you expect. To be honest, the vocal style grated on me and I'm not sure how it will come over live.

However look at the packaging, fall for the single and every goth in the UK will arrive and probably sink the ship with weight of numbers!! Not for me.

www.myspace.com/thebirthdaymassacre