The growing advent of globalization makes an album like Stabilizer's A Project Called Red possible, when five to ten years ago, a CD like this wouldn't exist. This is mainly because Red is a project unto itself; it may totally rewrite the concept of musical production.The idea of recording an album with many musicians, all from around the world, and wholly through the use of the Internet, is not new. Yet as far as I know, Stabilizer is the only band to choose this choice of their own free-will. Stabilizer isn't about just geographic boundaries or a music industry gone wrong; its a cry for outright change.
Formed by antiMUSIC's own electronics wizard, Brad Podray (of both Psychaesthetic and Blood & Batteries), Stabilizer is a project made wholly over the Internet with the intention of translating the final product for free without the boundaries of silly things like labels, record stores, or law. This is like a musical computer virus, and everyone could get it soon.
The disc itself will win many fans because it is simply diverse in ways that only a CD of this nature could. Brad appears on all tracks, adding samples and loops, synths and scratches. Joining him is capable Texan guitarist/vocalist Ian Siegert. The guest list itself is a hodge-podge of cyber-talent from around the globe; a death metal guitarist from Taiwan, a female vocalist, hell, even Dan Dolan from Blood & Batteries pops up a couple times. With so many styles and cultures crashing into each other like electrons orbiting an atom, things are definitely bound to be a tad eclectic.
The songs themselves run every kind of gamut possible. You've got industrial rock that wouldn't (like recent Powerman 5000 perhaps?) be out of place on the radio (opener "Movie Star"). There's the almost Linkin-Parkish pop-rock of "Realize." Track number three, "Industry Standard," rips by in a blur of wholly instrumental, neon electronica rock. "A Strange Man" sounds like laid-back Postal Service outtakes sans vocals. "Mission Statement" is Brad himself proclaiming the noble intent of his work over shockingly fitting electronica.
One of my personal favorites, "Run Between the Raindrops," features a tinkling piano intro that soon segues into electroclash death metal, fitting of the little-known and obscure Dillinger Escape Plan sideproject Error. Those death growls and that sweet guitar part is courtesy of John Ploskina from Luminous Ether in Taiwan. "Particular" is a spacey shoegazing electronica song that would probably fit in the late 1980's.
"Speak Up" is a swank industrial rocker that sounds like a more melodic Blood & Batteries. "Knowing Every Loss Like Yours" is creepy neo-classical/ambiance fusion, whereas "We are Definite!" could start a mosh pit or two mid-rave. "Natural" is laid-back pop electronica, featuring the return of Ian's vocals. The beautifully lush "Distance" is so soothing it couldn't be more perfect. "Grasping" is more of that soft, techno pop, but Stablizier brings the noise for "Honey on a Razorblade." This fantastic cut finds an unholy matrimony between industrial factory beats, Nintendo bleeps, and soaring guitars.
"Grey to Green" is another highlight, the trip-hop vibe being completed by Morgan Long, who gives the song a very delicate, fragile feel despite its confidant beats and loops. "Struck" is a stunning piano interlude, and "The Hidden Joke Track" is hilarious electronica best discovered for yourselves.
Varied, wide-reaching, and unique, Stabilizer has made an album that has something for everyone yet most likely will not cost any of them a single cent. The music is sleek, catchy, fun, and never dull. Brad again shows his knack for getting sounds out of electronics that surprise, amuse, and even impress us, and his cast of supporting players round the CD out to a solid base of eclectic music. Everyone should try Stabilizer's A Project Called Red, as let's face it, none of you have anything to lose; this whole album is 100% free!
