Originally slated for release in 2004, theatrical goth/glam/punk/alternative rock collective Deadsy third collection of retro-eyeliner anthems is as strangely likeable as it is manipulative and redundant. Phantasmagore wants to be the best Ministry/Sisters of Mercy/T. Rex/metalcore Bauhaus reunion album ever made. Frontman Exeter, who sounds like a cross between Alice in Chains' Layne Staley and Social Distortion captain Mike Ness, lets himself morph in and out of vocal affectations like a C-list Mike Patton, painting "Carrying Over"'s "glammy" pre-chorus with echoes of Ziggy-era Bowie before launching it into a full-on Andrew W.K.-style arena rocker. The band draws a whole lot of comparisons to Gary Numan, and the "Cars" synth-patch that gets peppered throughout Phantasmagore's 11 cuts doesn't help, but for every misstep (the world does not need another big modern rock version of the Rolling Stones"Paint It Black") there's the a piercing ray of campy fun that shines through all of the forced doom and gloom ("Razor Love,""Book of Black Dreams,""Health & Theory") like the mischievous flash of a grin beneath Marc Bolan's top hat. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
Average Review: Number of reviews: 1
Write an online review and share your thoughts with others! Tami Lorenz
from Las Vegas, NV Better Than I Knew
I do find that Deadsy's second release, draws on the depth of young-Black Sabbath. It is more rock now, less goth. One may hear RUSH similarities in the intense bass and extended chorus. The synchronized rhythms and beats are Alice Chain-ish, with appropriate angst of Guns Roses.
You may hear intensity in the impending harmony of Queensryche. You will hear Stone's Paint it Black and bits of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in Time. Even in Black Dreams, a distortion technique brings a touch of mainstream with Bon Jovi.
I didn't use to love Deadsy.
I started listening when I heard Cher Elijah's version of Crimson Clover, a cut above Tommy James the Shondells. And got curious about Elijah's music (P. Exeter Blue I). I liked Mansion World on Commencement. I liked Key To Gramercy Park. And Flowing Glower hinted at the depth of original lyrics to follow.
The second track on the latest release, Carrying Over, is better than a continuation.
It is masterful, as is the amazing title track, Phantasmagore. Now I love Deadsy.
They are definitely Better Than I Know. The haunting medleys can transport me to Urantia-Land, drug-free anytime.
And Media Future (myspace.com/media future) says
Deadsy has the BEST SPACE on MySpace.
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Number of reviews: 1
