IAMX will make you love again

Photo courtesy of Shout.ru

Finally. IAMX fans living in the States, rejoice. Metropolis Records released IAMX's 2006 album, The Alternative, on May 6th and is releasing 2004's Kiss + Swallow on June 17th. This is further proof that you don't need a major label or its prostitution-like marketing techniques to promote your music. IAMX's Chris Corner, of Sneaker Pimps fame, chose to take the indie route when he embarked on his solo project. In true DIY fashion, Corner built a devoted fanbase through grassroots support and promotion, and without any help or interference from major labels.

Kiss + Swallow and The Alternative are worlds within themselves: dark, sexy electro that covers a range of topics and themes worthy of a theatrical production: passion, venom, pride, ego, sorrow, domination, sexual power, disaffection. It's quite a plate.
The production of both albums is crisp and clean, devoid of unnecessary pomp and fluff. Arrangements seem to be put together with great care to create just the right effect. Every beat, every melody is alive, tangible. Even Corner's vocals are full of energy and life. When you listen to a song like "Nightlife" (The Alternative) or "Your Joy Is My Low" (Kiss + Swallow), you can feel the sweat, the heat, the darkness. The beat throbs so naturally that it becomes a part of you.

IAMX will be playing shows around Europe this summer. For more information on show times and ticket prices, check out the official site and Myspace in the links below.

Here are two of my personal favorites from each album:

mp3: IAMX- Your Joy Is My Low (Kiss + Swallow)

mp3: IAMX- This Will Make You Love Again (The Alternative)


Official Site

IAMX myspace

Great interview with Chris Corner on TA Live

Nine Inch Nails give it away for free

In an unexpected but not unwelcome move, Trent Reznor announced that The Slip, the latest Nine Inch Nails CD, will be available for free on their official site. No catch. No hoax. No corporate greed. For those who prefer to own a physical disc with album art, Nine Inch Nails will also be releasing the album in CD and vinyl format. Vinyl. Fucking ace. Nine Inch Nails is one of the increasing number of acts who have begun to explore alternative ways of releasing music in the emerging digital music industry. Making their album available for free not only shows NIN's appreciation for the fans, but also happens to be a brilliant marketing strategy. Good for Trent, I say. I am never one to bash free music.

Go ahead, check it out:

DOWNLOAD album from their official site

DOWNLOAD album from yousendit link

Here's a taste of the album, if you're not sure whether you want to download it. Easily one of the best tracks.

mp3: Nine Inch Nails- Echoplex