Accessory

"Underbeat" (Album, 2011)

The Accessory sound has changed somewhat since I first heard them back in 2002 on their Deadline EP. What I categorised then as more along the IDM side of industrial has, on Underbeat, their seventh album, become much more like the competition in the European alternative electro/industrial scene. And that familiarity breeds some indifference.

Songs like Sunrise manage to successfully straddle the extremes of Underbeat’s occasionally wayward tendencies. Whilst World 6000 does a pretty good (but still derivative) Front Line Assembly impression. Ultimately, a sense of frustration comes out of listening to all twelve tracks as there are plenty of decent enough underlying creative ideas, it’s more how they been fixed into a recorded form that disappoints.

Almost instrumental Start Time produces a more understated package more closer to my heart; but that is immediately followed by the not-exactly-subtle Ruff Fuxxx with its husky female lead vocal asking "Do you want to fuck me?” and clubfloor beats. I understand where this is squarely aimed but that doesn’t mean I have to give it any special leeway. Beside, Faderhead manage to pull off that sort of thing far more convincingly, whereas tracks like this dilute the album’s stronger components – of which there are still sufficient amounts to at least making purchase of individual songs via digital download a better proposition than investing in the entire album. 6/10

Rob Dyer (July 2011)

"Deadline EP" (EP, 2002)

Out of Line

This was the first I'd heard from this German three-piece and I was pretty impressed. First thing to say about this release is what excellent value it represents. Nine tracks, three mixes of the title track and almost fourty minutes total running time. EBM with peculiar squishy noises, distorted drum programming and catchy choruses is Accessory's main thing. The majority of the tracks go down the mid-tempo route which, since much of the high BPM EBM stuff around is pretty unimaginative, is especially welcome.

The vocals are well suited to the music and, even though the scene's trademark voice distortion technique is used, this guy does more than just speak or scream the lyrics and the effects are never allowed to get out of control or dominate. No Fight - No Future brings all the elements, including some nice samples, together well but is sadly all too short. Fight The Future continues the theme began in No Fight - No Future and recalls early haujobb or first album Covenant. An impressive EP that will have me seeking out more Accessory material forthwith. I suggest you do the same. 7/10

Rob Dyer

Official Accessory website: http://www.jukka2147.de