††† Crosses (2014)

This album by Crosses gathers all the songs from their previous two EPs plus five new ones, that would've made the third EP. Presented all together here they form an excellent debut full length album that despite it's nature (three EPs in one) sounds cohesive.

The album opener This is a Trick gives a very good indication of what this album is about. This is dark electro rock, with soothing soundscapes, a touch of retro electronic sounds and a little dose of rock. From then on, the album dances between more electronic beats, straight pop melodies and more driven rock moments.

Most people will come to listen to this album for Chino Moreno, from Deftones, and his vocals are the central driver of this album. His excellent vocal range and silky vocals are used to incredible effect but there's are also new shades to his voice here, at times sounding very positively uplifting and pop. 

The album presents a great collection of songs and it's hard to choose stand outs but I would like to highlight the chill out and beautiful Trophy, which is followed by delicious pop song The Epilogue and the rockier Telepathy.

Rating: Heavy Rotation

Covenant - Leaving Babylon (2013)

Originating from Sweden, Covenant have been around since the early 90s. Leaving Babylon is their eighth album and despite its ups and downs there's certainly a lot to like here.

The album opens with the title track Leaving Babylon, which is a repetitive and hypnotic song. It's a decent song that walks you into the album and acts as an intro.

The second track, Prime Movers, leaves the introduction behind and suddenly the album comes to live. From then on, the album has its ups and downs but generally delivers excellent beats and melodies. 

Prime Movers and Four Our Time are great examples of simple, hypnotic and fascinating future-pop. There's a little harshness to the beats but a very gentle and mellow side to the music that creates a perfect balance to the songs. 

But the two standout songs of the album are Ignorance and Bliss and Last Dance. Both of them are really powerful songs that manage to combine classic and retro synth sounds with very solid future-pop beats. Both tracks are perfectly crafted and memorable; the kind of song that I can't get enough of and I know I'll be coming back for again and again.

Overall, this is a very uneven album with some decent tracks, some good tracks and some of the best electronic music this year.

Rating: Good Vibrations

Ayria - Plastic Makes Perfect (2013)

Originating from Canada Ayria's music is a mix of future pop and EBM with hints of electro-industrial aggressiveness here and there. Plastic Makes Perfect is her fourth album and it's a pretty solid release.

The highlights of the album are, at least to me, her more aggressive tracks, particularly opener Hunger and Plastic Makes Perfect (see video below). On the lighter, more melodic side I'd highlight Three Months, Missed the Mark and the particularly danceable Big City Lullaby. 

The album has it's ups and downs but there's plenty to enjoy here and the mix of future pop, EBM and more aggressive moments is well balanced.   

Rating: Good Vibrations

Mesh - Automation Baby (2013)

Mesh is a seasoned synth-pop band and their latest release is arguably one of their best. The album starts strongly with Just Leave Us Alone, an incredibly catchy, infectious, dance tune and, from that point, it never lets you down.

Automation Baby delivers great song after great song. The band have managed to write a good number of very varied songs that flow between synth-pop, electro-rock and little touches of EBM. In fact, considering the CD packs 14 songs, with eight tracks more in the bonus CD, this is an incredibly generous offering. Mesh were clearly inspired in the making of this album.

The band really has gift in creating catchy hook and anthemic choruses that never feel obvious nor formulaic. An excellent album that has a huge number of potential singles.

Rating: Heavy Rotation

Krystal System - Rage (2013)

Originating from France, Rage is Krystal System's third album and the first one I listen to. The music moves between electro-industrial and industrial-rock. 

Most of the songs have predominantly clean female vocals. The music is quite electronic but when guitars enter they are quite heavy and metal. Male vocals are use sparingly to great effect.

The album is consistent but still displays a wide range in the music and delivers great songs.  

Rating: Good Vibrations

Zeromancer - Bye, Bye Borderline (2013)

Zeromancer have been around for a while and to be honest, for one reason or another, they've gone under the radar for me until now. 

Bye Bye Borderline is a great electro, industrial rock album. Nothing too exciting or new, but the album is very easy to listen to, with a solid collection of songs that move between electro pop-rock and angry industrial rock.

Rating: Good Vibrations