| Legion Within self-titled c. 2001 Tragick Records |
Most of today's "Goth" bands are far more influenced by Depeche Mode or Flock of Seagulls than by Bauhaus or the Cure; the "Goth" bands of tomorrow seem more interested in Psytrance and Illbient than in Andrew Eldritch or Siouxie Sioux. Seattle's Legion Within may well be among the last of a dying breed: an honest-to-goodness Gothic Rock band. Their "Within" is a solid opening effort, which shows that there are still some gems to be found in that almost-forgotten genre. Kristoffer Larsen's production is particularly impressive; Legion may well want to consider bringing Larsen on board as an official member. His reverb-heavy mix echoes (sorry, but I couldn't resist) Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. (Hell, the Farfisa-esque synthesizer on "I Feel Nothing" would have been right at home on a Ronettes song). I wouldn't be surprised to see Legion's next CD marketed as Shoegazer music, particularly if they continue along the moody, droning lines of "Pure" and "Treachery" Unlike much Shoegazer (and, indeed, unlike much Ethereal) music, Legion Within's songs move ahead at a brisk pace. If you've been following yr. humble narrator's reviewing career on *Starvox*, you'll see that I regularly wax rhapsodic about live drummers vs. drum machines. Legion's rhythm section, John Gibson on percussion and Ken Stubblefield on fretless bass, keep things from melting into sonic sludge. William Wilson's crooned-spoken baritone vocals are in the grand tradition of Peter Murphy or David Bowie. He doesn't have a lot of self-confidence or projection yet; he's a good singer, but he hasn't really come into his own. He's hitting all the notes, but he never really takes a chance, never goes for broke. I'd be interested in hearing his next efforts, as he gains the skill and stage presence which only come with time. On this release, he's generally overshadowed by the band's excellent instrumental work. Legion Within's musical skill is evident throughout the CD. "He Moves" opens outside the standard Gothic Rock 4/4 model, and Lisa Smith's cello playing provides some interesting atmospherics throughout, particularly in "Song for the Sun (the Fluid Song)." I was also impressed by keyboard player Marcus Krieg and guitarist Shannon Cole, whose fuzzy sweet-and-sour riffs call to mind Seattle's grunge scene. They've definitely got a good foundation here. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that I'd like to see them extend themselves a bit more. Right now they're producing solid and well-done Gothic Rock; they haven't yet crossed over that line between "very good" and "great." Tracks 1) I Feel Nothing John Gibson: Percussion Legion Within website |