Emilie Autumn – Opheliac
You might recognise Emilie Autumns name in connection with Courtney Love and Billy Corgan, or you might have seen her perform live on David Letterman's 'The Late Show. This girl is not new to the scene, but this record is. Having caught the eyes of two such prominent names in the contemporary music scene Emilie has since been catapulted into a very in the know fame.
'Opheliac' however is definitely a strange one, strange because it appears to be industrial gothic classical music combined as one. This girl sings and plays rock songs, and then intertwines them with seemingly classical violin. Apparently Emilie has been described before as 'Victorianindustrial' and there is no surprise why as her music takes in elements of old traditional and very contemporary styles. This includes baroque strings, harpsichord and industrial beats. The outcome is angry, excited and emotional while also being soothing, alluring and enchanting. It's one hell of a roller coaster ride where you have no idea what's coming ahead.
The vocal style is also never still ranging from melodious theatrical passages to a snarling screams and haunting whispers. The insane lunacy of her style reminds me of Kate Bush's up and down and all over the place vocal technique. It's also drowned in effects, which does highlight the contemporary elements of the record and produces a very industrial gothic sound. This does make Opheliac more than just a classical music experiment but something heavier and darker.
Sometimes I did find the record to sound a bit too disjointed, there are far too many different phrases and different styles that do not seem to fit together to create one. The bare bones of the songs are lost behind all the effects used and the sudden changes of dynamics, tempo and rhythm. This sometimes does make it difficult to listen to, unless this is what you look for in your music and in that case it's perfect for you.
There is no doubt that 'Opheliac' shows inspiration, a hell of a lot of creativity and talent. In fact it's one very clever record. It's hugely innovative and unconventional but it just may be too specialist for many and maybe a little too diverse. I would recommend however anyone who likes the styles mentioned above to give 'Opheliac' a good chance. Emilie Autumn is with no doubt a very talented and passionate girl and perhaps a little bit mad too.