ELECTRIC CAKE SALAD – “RULE ZERO” (Flicknife) ALT ROCK
Review By: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Preacher
Now six albums into their career, Electric Cake Salad is in assured and imperious form throughout this splendid new release. So, prepare to have your musical senses electrified and your sonic boundaries shattered by the awe-inspiring masterpiece that is Electric Cake Salad’s latest studio album, ‘Rule Zero‘
Hailing from the midlands here in the UK, and signed to the esteemed Flicknife record label, this band has truly outdone themselves with an extraordinary sonic journey that pushes the boundaries of creativity, experimentation, and pure musical genius. The band: Steve Gianolio-Jones (guitars, vocals, programming), Rob ‘Berto Om’ Leaver (bass guitars), and Mick Morrell (guitars, backing vocals) have matured into a tremendous creative force, and ‘Rule Zero’ though partially created through the horrors of the lockdown era, is a musical tour-de-force that exemplifies all that is truly good about modern music.
‘Rule Zero’ is a sonic adventure that defies categorization, blending elements of Psychedelic Rock, Industrial, Avant-Garde Pop, and Electronica into a unique and captivating experience. From the very first track, it becomes abundantly clear that Electric Cake Salad has crafted something truly special here, a work of art that almost transcends the accepted boundaries of conventional rock music.
One of the album’s standout qualities is its fearless exploration of soundscapes. Electric Cake Salad fearlessly combines various musical elements, weaving them together seamlessly and effortlessly. Each track is a sonic tapestry, meticulously crafted with layers upon layers of intricate instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend synthesizers, beats, and loops, with more traditional rock instrumentation showcases their unparalleled creativity and experimental approach.
The album’s production is nothing short of stellar, with every sonic element given the space to breathe and shine. The lush, atmospheric soundscapes envelope the listener, transporting them to a world where imagination runs wild. Electric Cake Salad’s attention to detail is evident in every track, as they expertly balance delicate melodies with powerful crescendos, taking listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Lyrically, ‘Year Zero’ explores thought-provoking themes that are as introspective as they are universal. The band tackles existential questions, societal issues, and personal introspection with a poetic prowess that leaves a lasting impact. The lyrics resonate deep within the soul, inviting introspection and sparking a desire for change.
The musicianship displayed by Electric Cake Salad is simply awe-inspiring. Each band member brings a unique and virtuosic skillset to the table, seamlessly intertwining their talents into a cohesive sonic force. The guitar work is nothing short of phenomenal, ranging from hauntingly delicate to explosively powerful, while the rhythm section provides a solid foundation that drives the music forward with relentless energy.
Standout tracks such as “The Last Laugh” with its ethereal trippy melodies and haunting vocals, and the truly epic “Perfect Storm” with its infectious grooves and mind-bending instrumentals, showcase the band’s versatility and ability to captivate listeners with their sheer musical prowess. Perhaps the only moment of ‘imperfection’ comes with a somewhat surprising inclusion of the Rammstein song ‘Deutschland’, which might have been better added as an extra track – but it’s a tiny niggle and seems churlish to criticise really – the band gives it a kind of Depeche Mode ‘twist’ which is interesting in itself.
In conclusion, ‘Rule Zero’ is a breath-taking musical odyssey that pushes the boundaries of creativity and showcases Electric Cake Salad’s unparalleled talent. It is a sonic masterpiece that demands to be heard and experienced. With this album, the band has firmly established themselves as visionaries in the world of experimental rock, and their partnership with Flicknife record label has allowed them to fully realize their artistic vision. ‘Rule Zero’ is a triumph, an album that will leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to listen.