Sixteens--Fendi
Hungry Eye 2005
Rivaled only by their friends the Vanishing, Sixteens are the best thing going in synthesizer based music today. Using the concept of loop to hypnotize listeners into submission, as well as foster a sense of melody, this band consistently pumps out music that is nothing short of genius. That trend continues on this Fendi EP, cementing Sixteens place in the upper eschelon of their field.
For the uninitiated, Sixteens play an otherworldly blend of synthpunk, industrial, and goth. Imagine the Screamers, Alien Sex Fiend, and Bauhaus in a steel cage death match, their blood spattering on the canvas to create a sort of impressionist painting, and you'll have a decent idea of what this band sounds like. A little rawer and more organic production-wise than their Casio full-length, Fendi sees Sixteens channelling an ethereal darkness, yet never losing hold on their unique grasp of hook. This is a one of a kind band delivering as special a listen as that accolade would imply.
Quality songwriting has never been an issue for Sixteens and the masterclass is definitely back in session on Fendi. The CD starts with the lopsided flow of "Fancy Fingers." This tune's wobbly quality can be attributed in large part to the fact its lead synth voice is in direct dissonance with the modulated synth bass swells at its base. "Figurative Character" sees the band at its repetitive, loopy best, incrimentally layering simple parts to build tension and maintain listener interest. An uneasy tension fills the room on "Cell Schedule" with both male and female vox in straight monotone, contrasted primarily by the level of signal processing on each voice. The platter closing title track "Fendi" is the creepiest and most sinister of all. If the Residents ever did a film remake of the horror classic Halloween, this would be the perfect theme song--Kristen's voice exhibits an unsettling sweetness here, fuzz bass, cello, and needle pricking keys building to an almost symphonic dissonance that would make Glenn Branca green with envy.
Never before has a band at once sounded certainly damned to obscurity and destined for world domination the way Sixteens do on Fendi. It's a bizarre kind of sonic purgatory that's enough to stop any listener dead in their tracks. Once again, Sixteens have delivered a listening experience that feels more important than just about anything else happening today. Now, without question, one of the best and most compelling bands ever. Bravo.
Score this CD directly from HUNGRY EYE
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