American musician, Alex Von Z belongs to this group of creative Indies who know well, how to draw and prolong fans’ interest. He seems to utilize the new music business model. The year of 2012 looked especially fruitful judging by his discography - Implicate Order EP was released in October and Life's Addiction EP two months later. The newest release includes 3 brand new songs and "Life's Addiction" opens the tracklist.
"Life's Addiction" begins with a drumbeat, dictating the rhythm and preparing the way for some classic hard rock sounding guitar riffs. Bass joins next, cooperating very well. Yet it’s the guitars that are the most vital instruments in this song. You can hear a bit of soloing as well as extended high-note bridges and fills. The core arrangement of this track is repetitive and easy to listen to, but the layers create a composition with 'hit' potential. That being said, it may be a good idea if Alex looked up a suitable TV ad placement or some radio airplay opportunities for the track. His vocals keep up with punk or alt-rock styles and fill the arrangements tightly.
My only complaint applies to a dead drumbeat that sticks out too much in parts of the song. Although, it may not be such a bad thing since other bands I’ve heard have utilized this technique as well.
When it comes to lyrics, "Life's Addiction" speaks of people's compulsive desires and addictions which can be either innocent or life threatening. Alex lists such obsessions as workaholism, video-gaming, Internet and virtual reality, television, sex, stimulants. Also, addictions to pain, gambling, dieting and plastic surgery that mirrors a modern yet unnecessary rush for an ideal beauty. Not only can these dependencies drown an individual but maniacal behaviors can also ruin friendships and families. How to overcome these issues? Let's say wisdom, awakening and will-power could be helpful, just as much as therapy though art and sound... That’s if the music doesn't push an addict into yet another, music-related obsession.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, February 25th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)
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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine