AMG Review of Commencement

Robert L. Doerschuk
All Music Guide

It's another time-warp trip back to the heyday of synth pop, as Deadsy returns with another fusion of dour monotone vocals and heavy-tread drums sandwiched between buzzsaw bass and spectral, high-register keyboards. A guest shot by Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis on "The Key to Gramercy Park" reminds listeners of the band's currency, but it's easy to mistake Commencement for an '80s artifact. The impression is only made clearer by the Eno textures that drape the stately intro to "Winners" and the unlikely cover of "Tom Sawyer," complete with full Rush flavoring in the 7/8 interlude and roaring bass work. Fans of vintage electronica will wallow blissfully in the album's many sinkholes of subsonic analog sound, but for those who favor the digital muse (or, for that matter, bands that have kicked the keyboard habit), Commencement may pose a few challenges.