Cdatakill

"The Cursed Species" (Album, 2004)

'Industrial breaks' neatly sums up Cdatakill's (Zak Roberts) 2004 album. Released on the reliable Ad Noiseam label, also home to artists such as Detritus, Enduser, Mothboy, Somatic Reponses and Tarmvred, this group of ten (essentially) instrumental compositions focuses on expression rather than form. By choosing not to concern himself with any specific rules either on the terms of engagement or the end result, Roberts' completed work is all the more unpredictable and refreshing as a consequence.

It does risk becoming too self-conscious at times, such as on Eve Ill, and although intellectual, The Cursed Species is never too cerebral. Whilst there's an unfettered honesty to this suite, whether by subtle design or as a by-product of Roberts' combination of creative passion and technical skill, the overall impression is one of quality if sometimes a just touch too detached. 7/10

Rob Dyer (June 2010)