Anzi – Black Dog Bias

album by:
Anzi
Version:
CD
Price:
£7.99

Reviewed by:
Rating:
4
On 6 June 2015
Last modified:6 June 2015

Summary:

Lots of different elements in 'Black Dog Bias'. I thought of some of the synthpop bands popular in the 80s like Sparks, Visage, Ultravox and The Human League and then later influences such as Placebo, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson, Muse, Nine Inch Nails and Rage against The Machine. An interesting mix which should have something for everyone.

Anzi

Anzi Destruction former lead singer of Finnish rock band Stereo Junks! well known for his exciting and energetic live performances, which included fire breathing, launched his solo career in 2011 when he released his début self produced album ‘High Clash Motherfucker’, on which he played nearly every instrument.  As a solo performer the destruction has gone and he’s now know as simply Anzi.

Anzi’s second album ‘Black Dog Bias’ will be released on 22 June 2015 via Chemistry Music Enterprises. A dog lover who has owned Dobermans, he felt that people’s preconceptions of the breed were wholly inaccurate and began to wonder, “What else in this world do we tend to fear and pass over without better knowledge” he was also concerned about  “A known phenomenon in animal shelters, where big black dogs are typically overlooked by adopters. Nobody wants them because of the fear and stigma against certain breeds. Too often, big, dark-coated dogs end up being put down“.  This phenomenon gave his new album the title ‘Black Dog Bias’.

Anzi

Anzi wrote and recorded ‘Black Dog Bias’ on three continents, at locations in Helsinki, London, New York and Egypt. He produced the record and played most of the instruments. Mastering was undertaken by Los Angeles-based Dave Collins (QOTSA, Soundgarden, Linkin Park, Alice Cooper), with finishing touches added by a diverse range of musicians, including Sisters of Mercy guitarist Ben Christo and African Djembe player Ike Chime. Anzi’s ex-wife; Finnish author and former Playboy Playmate Katariina Souri, co-wrote some of the lyrics.

On first listen I picked up lots of different elements. I thought of several of the synthpop bands popular in the 80s like Sparks, Visage, Ultravox and The Human League and then later and varied influences such as Placebo, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson, Muse, Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against The Machine to name but a few.

Anzi

With a seductive voice which draws you into the music and straight into the first track Revival, the first single which was released as a double A with second track I Let You Dive on 26th May. The vocals in Revival reminding me a little of South Texas Death Ride by The Union Underground, whilst I Let You Dive has a flavour of Save Me Now by Billy Idol.  Cortex Command with a Rammstein’s Du Hast vibe. God on The Screen an interesting mix of Prodigy’s Firestarter , a bass-line similar to a slowed down You Really Got Me by the Kinks and a bit of a snake-charmer guitar riff thrown into the basket. I thought of Billy Idol again when I got to False Saints but this time the much faster and punkier Whiskey and Pills. Sunburn Jesus another interesting mix, for the prodigal sun, this one starting something like I am the Walrus by The Beatles before merging into something more akin to Breathe by The Prodigy. Big Enemy had a flavour of Marilyn Manson, I’m thinking something from his latest album ‘The Pale Emperor’ say Deep Six.

Lots of interesting and  different elements in this album, making it difficult to pigeon hole Anzi into any one category. On his facebook page he’s described as Alternative/Rock/Pop/Punk/Industrial I reckon that just about covers it. Should be something for everyone in here.

Highlight Track – False Saints

Track List:
1.    Revival
2.    I Let You Dive
3.    Cortex Command
4.    Fear Is No Prophecy
5.    God On The Screen
6.    False Saints
7.    Sunburn Jesus
8.    Big Enemy
9.    Nuclear Sire
10.    Delusions
11.    I Let You Dive [Radio Edit]

Lots of different elements in 'Black Dog Bias'. I thought of some of the synthpop bands popular in the 80s like Sparks, Visage, Ultravox and The Human League and then later influences such as Placebo, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson, Muse, Nine Inch Nails and Rage against The Machine. An interesting mix which should have something for everyone.

About Louise Swift

I first went to a gig in 1981, Gillan at Leeds University. I've been a regular gig goer ever since. I haven't kept count of how many gigs I've been to over the intervening years, but it's a lot! My favourite bands are AC/DC then, in no particular order, Anti-Nowhere League, Slaughter and the Dogs, Towers of London and Dirt Box Disco. I tend to like Glam/Punk and rude offensive lyrics, not sure what that says about me but as Animal would say 'So What!' The question was recently put to me - did I write for any online publications? My reply - No, but I'd like to! Planetmosh was suggested and I found myself offering to review Aces High Festival. Easy peasy I thought! Well not quite, if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing well! I had sixteen bands to research. I found I actually enjoyed that and it kept me too busy to be making lunatic comments on Facebook! ;) Then I felt a bit inadequately qualified. I mean, who am I to comment on others, when my musical expertise extends to being able to play a mean Greensleeves on the recorder and a passable Annie's song on the flute! Haven't picked up either instrument for years! What I do have, however, is over 30 years of experience as a gig goer, so I can comment on what I like and what I don't! It's only my opinion and, if I don't like a band it doesn't mean they are bad, just not to my own liking. I admire anyone who has the guts to get up on that stage and have a go!