“Monsters in the Industry” is a logical progression of this artist’s music, and yet it is quite different.   While veering off  in a distinctly pop direction, “Monsters…” retains the industrial and dark  elements that have been the best of her works thus far.  The CD reaches a new level of excellent production and technical dexterity which admirably showcases Miss FD’s growing talent.  The CD is very attractively packaged, with an inner foldout containing the lyrics.

“Break Your Control” begins with poignant keyboards, then launches into edgy electro that swiftly builds up to pop-driven, catchy vocals that lower to a fetching growl and then assert “I’ll never be yours”.   Backing effects are deftly done, with a siren-like loop that particularly stands out.  The chorus is visceral and sharp, leading the way to a dark ending.   “Disgrace” emerges with a slightly more industrial tone, robotic vocals, and a machine-rhythmic background.  I detect some hip-hop influences on the vocals, but with a very smooth bridge with complex vocal layers.  Harsh electronics kick in, with a scathing lyrical commentary that takes no prisoners.  Echo effects heighten the overall mood. “Monsters in the Industry” is a dancey sort of electro that reminds me a bit of Devo and other ‘80s bands.  The vocals are simply exquisite, with masterful layers and a spacey sort of effect that lends an ominous tone to the song.  Give the girl back her damned digitech, or else!     “Wanderer” starts with heavy, dancey electro combined with superb vocal layers that are transposed on each other.  Electronic flourishes mesh perfectly, then subside into a funeral sort of interlude that is quickly revived by soaring vocals only to eventually subside into a dark finish.     “Elements of Time” has hard electronics and smooth vocals, linked with experimental sounding bridges “Rebel Apprentice” starts dramatically.  The vocals rise to an anthem, and then alternate with very rhythmic, electronics.  A harpsichord-ish segment is followed by perhaps my favorite vocal tracks on the entire CD.  “Dream Door” has an opening that is reminiscent of Siouxsie, then stalks into a firm electro beat.  Somehow darkish and poppy at the same time, the vampish vocals are balanced by the instrumentation. “Enter the Void” is zappy at first, with dancey, yet not overpowering electro. Quite catchy vocals combine with deft electronic loops, then suddenly a harsher chorus changes pace.  Very mesmerizing pop vocals return, then the song subsides.   “Realigned” is one of my favorites, dance oriented, yet with an undeniable sharpness.  The steady beat is accentuated by an interesting keyboard progression.  Buzzy and bell effects add a sense of depth, with traces of industrial elements.  For me, the phenomenal vocals make this song.  An operatic flourish heralds “Thunder in the Blood”, then charges into industrial type vocals and a militaristic cadence.  A rather captivating chorus shifts gears, then the march resumes.  Vocals become melodic, while the backing electronics paradoxically become more strident.  In contrast to the Sturm und Drang height of the song, the ending is light, and anticlimactic.  The last track is aptly titled “When the Sun Sets”, and is ironically my favorite track of all.  Poignant and atmospheric, the vocals evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia.   Keyboards are very moving, and the background manages to lend a sense of emptiness, yet is lush at the same time.  A symphonic interlude builds up to layered soaring vocals which fade away, then the song subtly ends with a girlish… “that all”

From beginning to end, “Monsters in the Industry” is a magnificent CD that will please fans of electro and many more.     As I said a long time ago, she has a very fine voice that fully deserves the center stage and “Monsters…” proves this admirably.   I look forward to hearing MissFD’s  next project!

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