Tearing arms from Deities

reviews

ATTRITION - Tearing arms from Deities. review from Musictap.net USA 2006

Musical experimentation and conceptual ideas that join together to produce compelling, if not altogether accessible, songs, complex in their construction and precise in their delivery, is the hallmark of Attrition. Attrition is the vehicle created by Martin Bowes to express and convey his feelings and thoughts, perhaps as cathartic medicine, and perhaps as a valve. Regardless, no one can say that Attrition doesn't challenge the listener in various ways.

Requiring the firmest of musical appreciation to get through, especially true for the casual musical fan, Attrition provides a satisfying ride into the heart and soul of imagination. Formed in 1980 and compiling a catalog of 15 albums - studio, live, and soundtrack - plus a batch of collection discs, Attrition makes a case for thought.

The new Attrition collection, Tearing arms from Deities: Attrition 1980-2005 is from newly formed Two Gods label and runs the span of 16 songs that move from the spaces of all of those past gems. The album begins with the classically soft “Prelude,” moves into the newer, metaphorical search of healing for the split parts of good and evil and human existence, a philosophic exploration that plagues many of us, in “Two Gods,” and the electronic funk of “Cosmetic Citizen.”

Bowes employs an operatic female vocal in many of the songs in order to infuse contrast to the often-used dark male vocal. There is a sense of cinematic urgency in many of the songs, all of which, when combined, produce a unique collection that is lyrically challenging and musically clever.

The 16-page booklet is as artistic as the remastered music found on the CD. Filled with intriguing photos of sepia tones, some with visually stimulating nudes and others of gothic flavour, the booklet adds extreme value to the collection. There are notes by Bowes, observations of each song, credits, and interesting cover art.

Attrition plans to be around for quite some time. With that future anticipation of life and spiritual expression, we can obviously expect another collection not too far down the road. Attrition will not be for the masses, nor do they intend to be. Such forays into the far reaches of the heart can only be interpreted by the willing. Attrition has no lack of that audience, and a few more converts would not hurt. But come prepared.

Attrition - "Tearing Arms From Deities " - review from Godsend Online. USA 2006

Condensing 25 years of songs, experiences, and history into one 70-minute CD can't be easy, but Martin Bowes has done so in this wonderful package, complete with plenty of lovely artwork and an informative booklet. This career summation is the perfect document of their finer work through the years. From the neo-classicism of the opening 'Prelude' to the kitschier 80s-electro-industrial / anti-consumerist rant of 'Shrinkwrap', ATTRITION have always balanced their overt dark edges with an outsider popsong stance. Bowes' gutteral vocals and Julia Waller's brighter, dramatic voice are a unique and recognizable counterpoint and a trademark of sorts. More recent work, like 'Two Gods', maintains a certain elegance and magical intensity in its' minimalist execution and subdued demeanor. 'Tearing Arms From Deities' is a wonderful cross-section and well worth seeking out, especially as this seems to be limited to 2000 copies.
(Two Gods / Voiceprint)