review :: badger
This disc is probably my favorite new album from 1999. Well crafted, complex, rythmic, danceable. If you liked VNV Nation, but are disapointed by the programming, and synthwork, then slide on over to A23. Tom Shear, the man behind the madness of A23, is a great synth man, his voice is fitting for the style of music. The disc has 10 new songs, and the obligitory 3 remixes at the end. Remix work is done by Pain Station, Manhole Vortex, and THD. Tom layers his sounds well, and there is an extra dimension to his music that other synth laden dance bands lack. There are no bad tracks on this disc, but the stand out tracks are IMHO Surface, and Skyquake (Voice of God mix by Manhole Vortex/Protocol X). Although Tom Shear has been around and making music since 1991 this is his first full length album. Before this there was demo tape that caught the attention of the underground music scene, numerous compilation appearances, and a ton of live shows that gained him a following. Finally Gashed! stepped in and helped put the gem out. Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!
