AMG Review of Smell of Rain

Brian O'Neill
All Music Guide

Numerous warnings from a label known for bludgeoning releases and an artist known for darkness that Smell of Rain is a departure might not be enough to prepare devotees of both for this disc. Though he is primarily known for dark, ambient atmospheric keyboard swells, the third Mortiis release (not including the rarity collection Crypt of the Wizard) is nothing short of synth pop with nods to classics of the genre. Lead track "Scar Trek/Parasite God" could have been on that fateful David Bowie techno attempt, and the majority of the rest wouldn't seem out of place alongside New Order's repertoire or even Pretty Hate Machine. Some fans will likely decry this new attitude as wimpy, however those with an open mind will find Smell of Rain to be a smart pop exercise that still manages to be emotive.