Artist: Clan Of Xymox Album: Kindred Spirits

Year: 2012
Duration: 0:0-1

Kindred Spirits by Clan of Xymox - A Critical Review

Clan of Xymox, one of the pioneers of gothic rock, has recently released their latest album titled Kindred Spirits. The album is a collection of covers from other artists' songs that have inspired Clan of Xymox throughout their career. As a long-time fan of the band, I was excited to listen to this new release, and in this blog, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the album.

Firstly, a brief history of Clan of Xymox is in order. The band was formed in Amsterdam in 1981 and quickly gained popularity in the gothic rock scene with their self-titled debut album in 1985. Over the years, they have experimented with different sounds and influences, from darkwave to synthpop. Kindred Spirits showcases their diverse taste in music, with songs originally by artists ranging from The Cure to The Sisters of Mercy.

One of the best songs of the album, in my opinion, is the cover of David Bowie's Heroes. Clan of Xymox puts their unique spin on the classic song, with haunting vocals and atmospheric synths that capture the melancholic tone of the original. Their cover of The Mission's Wasteland is another standout track, with a driving bassline and a catchy chorus that will have you singing along.

The most innovative parts of Kindred Spirits are the unexpected choices of songs to cover. Instead of the obvious goth anthems, the band opted for more obscure tracks like Lockjaw by Dance Society and A Forest by The March Violets. Although some of these songs may be unfamiliar to listeners, Clan of Xymox's covers bring them to life with their signature sound.

However, with any album of covers, there are bound to be some missteps. Clan of Xymox's version of Depeche Mode's A Question of Time falls flat, lacking the energy and intensity of the original. They also played it safe with their cover of Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart, which doesn't add anything new to the iconic song.

In conclusion, Kindred Spirits by Clan of Xymox is an enjoyable listening experience for fans of gothic rock and synthpop. The album showcases the band's diverse taste in music and highlights some of the more obscure tracks that have inspired them throughout their career. Although there are some misses on the album, the standout tracks make it a worthwhile addition to any music lover's collection. Overall, I would give Kindred Spirits a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.