IAMX

genre: industrial, alternative
artist: IAMX
album: Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
street date: May 16th 2010
featured tracks: My Secret Friend (ft Imogen Heap), Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
label: Metropolis Records

Chris Corner (previously of Sneaker Pimps) is the man behind IAMX, and has recently delivered his loyal fans an aptly named fourth release-- I certainly welcome my newfound addiction to this album. In an interview with Postwave, Chris describes this album as "Disney World... But with lipstick, cynicism, and wit." I couldn't agree more. In the eleven lyrically rich tracks on this release, Chris explores themes that range from politics and religion, to schizophrenia and destructive inter-personal relationships. Today's featured tracks share a theme, bu

Kingdom of Welcome Addiction chronicles an internal battle between opposing forces. The storytelling lies in the lyrics ("if you choose life, you know what the fear is like; if you welcome addiction, this is your kingdom"), but it is the conflict between the guitar and the keyboard, magnified by well-timed percussive variation, that makes this song stick together like it's bound by an epoxy.

My Secret Friend tells the story of psychological warfare a brother and sister wage on one another. Musically, this track is quite simple. The chord structure serves as a stage, while the bassline helps build intensity-- but the focus is truly on the intricate harmonies and haunting melodies of Chris and Imogen's vocal performances. This one sent a chill up my spine the first time I heard it.

get addicted.