EX-VOTO „“Doloroso””

Music: Gothic Electro-Rock
Website: http//:www.pooralicemusic.com
Country: U.S.A.
Cool songs: Seven Sisters, El Diablo Blanco, Alena

The band is of American origin but is appreciated mainly on the Old Continent, especially in Germany, one of the greatest selling markets of gothic style music. EX-VOTO was formed in the early 90’s in Los Angeles, but soon, in 1992 was relocated and the band’s ‘room’ is now in New Orleans. ‘Doloroso’ is their third full length album.

I am not a big enthusiast of such play, but I will say, that this album caught my attention for a moment or two. Especially with such compositions as ‘Seven Sisters’ or ‘El Diablo Blanco’, which have an audible and very clean melodic line, are performed with some overall thought and simply enjoy. But I also have to say that they are exactly… the same. Although performed differently. The rest is heavy industrial and gothic rock, those electronic influences are dominating the whole. But this does not prevent the sound to reach even the greatest layman’s (as myself) ear. The compositions sound cool, but still, do not make you want to sacrifice yourself (or your money) on their altar. Thus… interesting alternative to metal.

Heavier melodic compositions like those are able to move anyone, even a complete zombie, like me. But the repeating of own ideas shows, that the performers run out of them. Maybe a longer break and then a big come back would do?

note: 6.5/10

Tracklist

1. Seven Sisters
2. Spritiual Lies
3. Clean on the Outside
4. El Diablo Blanco
5. I Could have Been
6. Western Skies
7. She Got it Big!
8. Not a Single Tear
9. I Can See Right Thru You
10. Her Evil Plan Pt.II
11. Seven Seas of Misery
12. Alena
13. Water into Wine
14. Where is Nikki Black?
15. Twenty Seven Names for Tears
16. Unspoken Words
17. Alena (alternative version)

Total playing time 58:55

Line-up

Matt Colord – guitars
Marina Crory – keys guitars
Linda Patti – keyboards, backing vocals
Larry Rainwater – bass, drums, guitars, keyboards, vocals