Angels and Demons Album Review

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Cybiont ’Angels and Demons’ CD Review

The first thing to strike me about the ‘Angels and Demons’ CD by Cybiont is the fantastic colourful artwork and environmentally conscious packaging.

Track One ‘Take Me To The Moon’ starts with a slow harmonic exploration into minimalism. The chorus line is somewhat awkward with a grating sample in the background. Righteous and uplifting lyrics hold the song together.

Track Two ‘Hold On’ swings with wordy verses that break into a plaintive chorus with triggered string and horn filling out the sound.

Track Three ‘Demon On My Shoulder’ has atmospheric guitar that gives the song depth. There’s some nice crescendos and percussion.

Track Four ‘Angel In The Closet’ gently explores love and hope with some lovely atmospheric guitar by Malcolm D. It’s a happy sound with a haunting edge.

There’s a plethora of instruments throughout with various styles explored and layers making the sound rich and warm. Vocals are in the vein of early David Bowie or Nick Cave with an over-enunciated German sounding accent, which is great for moody or darker topics.

Track Five ‘Butterflies’ is uplifting with some really nice acoustic guitar holding the melody together. A retro drum sample is like water dripping on leaves, until the song starts to rock out.

Track Six ‘American Cowboy’ is dark and dirty with an industrial edge.

Track Seven ‘Pig’ is a questioning and mishmash of lyrical ideas.

Track Eight ‘Doubt’ quietly sneaks up on you, like a subconscious filled with well, doubt.

Track Nine ‘Die Tomorrow’ poses questions, which plead for your response. Lovely falsetto and accompanying piano gently ease the song along with a marching snare drum holding down the rhythm.

Track Ten ‘Motionsickness’ is again minimalist with interesting percussive loops. A bass line reminiscent of 1980’s Bauhaus holds the track together.

Track Eleven ‘Spare Roots’ hauntingly explores the composers inner conscious sympathetically accompanied by female vocalist Lovisa Lindstrom. This is my favourite track on the CD.

Track Twelve ‘The Inner Child’ with its crazy carnival music is disquieting.

Track Thirteen ‘What Happened To Time?’ Is questioning and disjointed.

Track Fourteen ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ is short and sweet with its harmonic sound scape.

Track Fifteen ‘Thanks’ starts with vocals and piano and then bass, drums and guitar accompaniment slowly join in like waves lapping at the shore.

Track Sixteen ‘Passing By’ is like a walk in the park and softly closes out the CD.

Production level is great for this second solo CD from Cybiont, an elusive bedroom artist from Northland, New Zealand, who explores poetic social commentary and interpersonal musings. Emphasis on the vocal line is an acquired taste. Accompaniment by some well-arranged instrumentation makes it well worth a listen, if you like the experimental or alternative then this is an album for you.

Reviewer – River