1. The Hollow, 2. When Hands Go Still, 3. Umbra, 4. Moonlit Window
Krebs is an electronic music project of Michael Haggerty (lyrics, vocals, programming, keyboards, guitars and bass) founded in Philadelphia in 2012. He released two EPs in 2017 – The Last Place on Earth is followed by Blood and Stone.
A mysterious, ambient mood opens the EP with 'The Hollow', which is the longest track on this release. The chorus’ rhythm appears soon after the quick intro, but then slows down serving as the core for following verse arrangements. The track has an open composition which allows for many various elements to be placed throughout. Here, melancholic dark wave meets the brighter side of the electronic genre, while the vocals remain calm and balanced.
'When Hands Go Still' sounds very goth through operating on a low level of dynamics and a characteristic vibrated guitar riff appearing next to percussive parts. Compared to other tracks on the EP, the soft vocals receive an additional voice effect here. The mood isn't too dark, as a variety of silenced, lighter, and colder synth sounds appear between the cues.
On the other hand, 'Umbra' is a fully instrumental song which influences listener's imagination through its scenic, ocean-like waves of peaceful ambient arrangements and inner beauty. It could easily make for a soundtrack candidate for a movie with both futuristic and historical motifs (just like Highlander), thanks to utilizing newer electronica and traditional instruments side by side.
'Moonlit Window' (the last song) returns to the dark wave themes previously brought by 'When Hands Go Still'. Arrangements become one with carefully placed vocals and are distributed skillfully, letting the composition enchant the listeners with its instrumental lines and Michael's voice. There's something creepy going on in the background too, accompanied by sounds of an electric bolt and wind chimes at the song's end.
The Last Place on Earth EP offers darker moods than songs released on Blood and Stone. It's almost as if Michael wrote them to suit listeners during all four seasons of the year – the former fits the fall/winter time, while the latter is great for spring and summer. Get both EPs and reach out to the musician to let him know how much you liked the songs!
(Reviewer: Katarzyna 'Draconina' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Industrial Rock & Metal Encyclopedia, October 31st, 2018. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
Source: http://industrialrock.net/php-files_en/articles.php?article_id=604&rowstart=1
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Reviewed by Fabryka Industrial Rock & Metal Encyclopedia
