Assimilation Illusion is a logical and eminent successor to Frightdoll’s first CD, “Reference Version”. Her second album is  no clone of the first, and there is certainly no “follow-up slump” here!  Assimilation Illusion had a darker, deeper, more complex sound than Reference Version.  This is no disparagement of Frightdoll’s first work.  Not at all. It simply shows that she is growing into her music, and developing her style rather than resting on “proven” formulas or playing to the scene, as has happened to too many bands.  “Assimilation Illusion” is very well produced to high standards.  An attractive fold out cover with lyrics is an added plus.

“Lost” begins with poignant, reflective keyboards.  Filtered vocals have a distant, pensive feel, which is enhanced with a trace of echo.  An ominous background drone emerges, lending an even darker aura to the song, which rises and then fades like a wistful memory.   “Alone in This” is dancefloor friendly with heavy synth and a pounding beat, yet is does not fall prey to those old familiar beasts, Monotony and Mindless Repetition.  Far from it.  Skillfully layered vocals and organ-like synth weave together with whip like percussion that evokes mid ‘90’s electro-goth rather well.  The song has a definite edge to it.   One of my favorites, “Caused” has a very dark, suspenseful intro with whispered, shadowy vocals that become increasingly sinister.  Pounding percussion kicks in, along with a fast paced, though cadenced, futuristic synth foundation.  The ominous beginning of “Evolution” reminds me a bit of early Gary Numan.   Rolling percussion and a choppy, almost calliopic synth flow into a faster very, mechanical tableau that becomes increasingly discordant.  Echoed, distorted vocals carry the song to the end.  “Controverse (Assimilation Illusion Version)” opens with an eerie deep synth and tubular bell effect, and then distorted vampiric vocals emerge.  Layers of electronics and staccato military percussion are buttressed by a doom-laden drone.  The vocals on “Indecision” have a very ‘80’s feel, accentuated by the staccato percussion and energetic synth, that borders  on the chaotic.  “Distant” is slow and forlorn, with wistful vocals that are not quite as distorted as on previous songs.  With a background of percussion, forbidding electronics, darkly classical effects, and the song becomes more brooding as it progresses to the end. “Leaving You” is another dance-friendly number, but it is artfully balanced by gloomy background effects and animated vocals.  The up-tempo “Generate” aptly features rhythmic, mechanical electronics, and a catchy synth sequence. Vocals are robotic, yet still forceful.    “Endings” is another one of my favorites,   with reflective and sorrowful keyboards and very industrial background effects. The combination of these disparate elements in very effective.   Plaintive vocals are filled with yearning and regret.   Reminding me vaguely of Emilie Autumn, This song would fit in well on a Steampunk playlist. “Sweet Serenity” is a wonderful song, with the same poignant, edgy keyboards paired with pensive, yet powerful vocals.  Cello-like synth, and a dark electronic drone which rises and falls in the background add to the dark, mournful atmosphere of the song.  A Victorian elegance  blends with a sort of stygian minimalism to evoke a evoke a sense of pensive futility.     Suddenly the song ceases on a discordant note, which will echo in the listeners mind long afterwards, like a half-forgotten dream.   “Sweet Serenity” highlights Frightdoll’s considerable vocal talents more than perhaps any other song on the CD.

“Assimilation Illusion” is truly a fine CD, which will appeal to fans of Goth, Industrial/EBM, and dark music in general.   If Edward Lee’s fine novel “Infernal Angels” or Gaiman’s “Neuromancer” are ever made into films, Frightdoll would be the perfect choice to write and perform the soundtrack.

And by the way, Frightdoll has released a new single “Cackling ’round the Cauldron”. Just in time for Halloween!  Check out her website for more information.

http://www.frightdoll.com/

http://www.myspace.com/frightdoll