Global Surveyor: Phase Two is a compilation of electro funk artists featured on the German label, Dominance Records. Though I don’t speak the language to read the liner notes, this release appears to be futuristic in theme, based in the electro-funk-punk wastelands of 3004. An odd concept, but a concept that works out to be a lot of fun, for sure.

The basic sound of Global Surveyor: Phase Two falls somewhere between upbeat Kraftwerk mixed with 80’s beat-box, meshed together by trance and IDM. Of all the bands on this release my definite favorites are Dagobert, E-Control, and Mandroid. These three bands seemed to be especially versed in what this genre is trying to accomplish, while also going that extra mile and creating dynamic, envelope pushing sounds. The rest of Global Surveyor: Phase Two is good, as well, as there is rarely a lull in quality or sound, but those three are the ones that cried out for repeated listens.

I’m not a fan of compilations at all, but since I’d never heard anything from this corner of electro this actually wound up being an interesting and enlightening journey. While the end times probably will not include an electro-funk-punk movement, Dominance Electricity’s Global Surveyor is a promising thought, and an enjoyable listen.

Anaphylaxis is the atmospheric noise/noisecore project of Jason Coffman (programming) and Teresa Santoski (vocals). Apparently this couple has had a slew of releases, though this is the first I’ve heard of them. I’ve got to say, though, they’ve definitely made an impression. From the moment this album started playing I loved it. Anaphylaxis' Noise for Lovers is exactly what it says it is... At least at first.

Distorted radio frequencies serve as the introduction to this gem of a release, contrasted by the nostalgic orchestration that perseveres for almost three minutes before being replaced by a seductively creepy, all-too short sample of a beautiful female voice. The entire album follows this suit?or a suit like it. Nothing stays for long, the atmospheres, environments and beats flow in and out, corroding from one to another with ghostly voices and sounds manipulating and being equally manipulated. Everything about this release sounds like it is foreshadowing a terrible, ghastly event; beautiful in the most foreboding of ways.

I’m not sure what more I can say about Anaphylaxis’ Noise for Lovers. This release is absolutely worth the time, money, and effort of online purchasing. Noise for Lovers is beautiful, noisy, nostalgic, and altogether creepy. This album will not be easily forgotten.

Industrial music veteran Jonathan Canady, well known for his work in Dead World, Hollow Earth, and Deathpile, returns to the fold with a new name and an intensely desolate sound. Covered in Scars is the seventh installment in Relapse Records/Release Entertainment’s appropriately titled Desolation House series, showcasing stand-out dark ambient artists. Angel of Decay stands proudly next to projects by prolific artists including Bastard Noise, Brume, and Magwheels.

Quiet drones, ominous keys, and eerily hissed whispers swirl together into the bleak and unforgiven world that is Covered in Scars. Pulsing and dark, Canady takes his listeners through a cold, depressed soundscape that breathes tales of hopelessness and despair. This is not a light-hearted listen by any means. Covered in Scars is the perfect compliment for daring sleepers, inspiring and twisting dreamscapes through a quiet hell; or to play at any event that requires an eerie touch (and would be well accented by a fog machine).

Jonathan Canady has spent the better part of a decade creating some of the darkest, most alienating ambient available. Angel of Decay’s Covered in Scars readily meets and exceeds any expectations a fan of Canady’s work would have, and should serve to placate any fan of the genre.

Indicia is the project of vocalist Betsy Lillery and programmer/drummer David Ward, both newcomers to the electronic scene. With that said, their debut album, Identifying Marks, comes as nothing short of a surprise. Ward’s sharp and outstanding keyboard melodies run in absolute harmony with Lillery’s rich vocals in a way that seems like they’ve been working together for countless years.

Identifying Marks is comprised of half-spoken, half-sang vocals over hypnotic and trip-hoppy atmospheres. Lillery’s vocals fall somewhere between the sensuality of Portishead and Collide, while occasionally also resembling those of Android Lust, Tori Amos, Meg Lee Chin, and others. The only thing more seductive than the vocals in this release is the awe-inspired programming and keyboard work. Ward’s intricate and crisp electronics flow flawlessly to create lush textures in perfect compliment to Lillery’s musings.

Accessible from the first listen, Indicia’s Identifying Marks is a compelling debut album that is sure to draw some attention. Indicia fuses the sounds of trip-hop, IDM, EBM, and darkwave in a unique and innovative way that becomes more apparent with every listen. Identifying Marks is a masterpiece in the making, with tracks well suited for home or the dance-floor, and almost crying out for remixing attention.

Subsonic Laws of Destruction, Zentropia’s 8th release since 1997, is the stuff dreams are made of. My first exposure to Zentropia was through the caption in their promo sheet, reading: "Do not operate heavy machinery while under the influence of Zentropia." Sound advice. This release is the aural personification of a drug-induced haze.

Subsonic Laws of Deconstruction is comprised of dubbed out beats and indy guitar experimentations that float in and out of the speakers while dreamy ambient soundscapes dominate, weaving and growing, imparting vivid picturesque scenes of almost apocalyptic proportion. That sentence might be a mouthful but it, in itself, barely does this release justice. It’s almost impossible to describe the lush atmospheres created by Zentropia, in fact, without using a run-on sentence.

Grammar aside, this release is mind-numbingly powerful meditation music. Regardless your motives or outlet for quiet-time, Subsonic Laws of Deconstruction can do nothing but add to the peace and calm of the moment. Pick this album up, pop it in your CD player, turn down the lights, and let Zentropia’s Subsonic Laws of Deconstruction carry you away?I dare say you won’t be sorry.