Wishfire

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
The Cruxshadows: Rogue (vocals); Stacey Campbell (guitar, background vocals); Rachel McDonnell (violin, keyboards); Chris Brantley (keyboards, background vocals).
Personnel: Stacey Campbell (guitar, background vocals); Rachel McDonnell (violin, keyboards); Chris Brantley (keyboards).
Recording information: Wishfire Studios.
Returning to the industrial/goth programming of Chris Brantley and the wraithlike electronic violins of Rachel McDonnell, the Crüxshadows' fifth full-length re-established the North Florida band's admired dark dance-pop intent. Fronted again by a traditional haunted monotone, the music was tenser than on earlier outings -- with a fuller approach -- and consequently a little more overbearing. Rogue's voice played up the callous seriousness of the band, but in a way that sounded well-rehearsed rather than born from believable personal misfortune. Standouts like the Top 20 European hit "Tears" were still strong -- a moody, shimmering thing of electro-house and stadium rock overkill, like an exclusively new wave Wall of Voodoo, and an unlocking of a whole new possible direction for the band. ~ Dean Carlson