Blaqk Audio
Material
Release Date: Apr 15, 2016
Genre(s): Electronic, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Club/Dance, Alternative Dance
Record label: Kobalt
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Album Review: Material by Blaqk Audio
Very Good, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
Since their debut in 2007, Blaqk Audio -- the electronic outlet for AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget -- have toyed with the dance sounds and dark tones of new wave. For their third LP, Material, they extend the lease on their Depeche Mode hero worship and also incorporate the spirits of other '80s acts. Whereas CexCells sounded menacing and sexy, and sophomore Bright Black Heaven added more goth-EBM elements, Material brightens Blaqk Audio with a newly polished sheen and brightness, like a leather-clad glitter rave.
Based on rating 7/10
Electro-goth-punk, anyone? Davey Havok and Jade Puget – better known as one half of goth-punk royalty AFI – revive their electro side-project with ‘Material’. It’s another richly woven tapestry of dark-hearted fare which draws on influences as disparate as The Pet Shop Boys and Ministry with aplomb.From the seductive, biblical overtones of ‘Anointed’ to the unashamedly camp synth-pop of ‘I’m A Mess’, the skill and ease of songwriting the duo bring to the table is a delight. If you can listen to this and not want to head straight to a dingy basement nightclub, it might be worth checking you still have a pulse.
Based on rating 2.5/5
While it’s not surprising that dancier, electronic elements have slipped into AFI’s more recent albums, it’s good Davey Havok and Jade Puget have Blaqk Audio. The side project allows them to dive head first into pre-EDM electronica. Material is their third attempt at mastering the sound.Clearly, Havok and Puget have an appreciation for darker, moodier 80s bands like Depeche Mode and Sisters of Mercy.
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