"LYCIA"
"LYCIA"

Artist:"LYCIA"
Title:"Cold"
Label:PROJEKT
Released:1996
Available:Some Border's and Specialty Stores OR 1-800-CD-LASER
Reviewed By:Mary Ellen Gustafson
Rating:4




LYCIA'S Sixth Release, "Cold," is described as "Barren, Frozen and cold; Visions of blowing snow; Isolation; Sharp as Icicles, as Numb as Freezing Rain; Beautiful as the Glitter on Snowy Trees; As Blinding as the Sun in Winter; Reflections Back to Autumn . . .Crisp and cool; On Fire With the Color of Changing Leaves; Uneasy, Like a Ride On a Haunted Carousel; The New Season Begins . . . A Million Miles Away From the Desert."

Original band member and leader, Mike Vanportfleet (vocals, synth & programming), deals in serious imagery in his descriptions of his compositions, the lyrics to the songs, and the sound of the music. Joined on this album by David Galas (sampler, synth, programming and bass) and Tara Vanflower (vocals), there is a harsh edge created to this majorly goth style music. The album has a depressing bent to it, but is an accurate depiction of Vanportfleet's description of "Cold." The background vocals of Tara Vanflower are in stark contrast to the music itself - not because her tune isn't also meloncholy and sad, but because her voice is so light compared to the dark music and the male voices singing the lyrics.

There is some serious surrealistic instrospection going on among the members of this band, and both their comments and their lyrics express this. As an example, the lyrics to the third track on the CD are as follows: "Snowflake skin, Cheshire grin, Frozen in space, I'll twist your face. My Empire vast, This night breaks fast, You fall down dead, I've crushed your Head." Pretty heavy stuff - as is the delivery. You can almost see that "Ride on a Haunted Carousel!"

"Cold" is not a happy go lucky piece of music to listen to, but it does get it's message across - which should be the point of any creative endeavor. The album evokes the feeling of a cold, stark winter in a not very pleasant place. Since that appears to be the goal of "Cold's" creators, they've been successful in achieving that goal. This is not music than everyone can appreciate, but if you are a goth fan, or a fan of dark, surrealistic music, LYCIA'S "Cold" is worth a listen.
"LYCIA" Tour Dates
4/15/97Reptile HouseGrand Rapids, MI
4/16/97Chelsie'sColumbus, OH
4/18/97PhantasyLakewood, OH
4/19/97Bat CaveNew York, NY
4/20/97Met CafeProvidence, RI
4/22/97The RatBoston, MA
4/23/97PhantasmagoriaWheaton, MD
4/24/97TwistersRichmond, VA
4/27/97RockafellasColumbia, SC
4/28/97ExlibrisSavannah, GA
4/29/97Outta ControlAtlanta, GA
4/30/97EmpireYbor City, FL
5/01/97MotoloungeJacksonville, FL
5/02/97CheersMiami, FL
5/03/97Club ZWinter Park, FL
5/07/97ImpalaFort Worth, TX

More Tour Dates To Be Announced In The Future!



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