SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VENUS CHILD – THE GOD’S DESIGN

Venus Child
The God’s Design
Hamfuggi Records

Venus Child is a collaboration between Deborah Fialkiewicz and EL ZOMBIE ESPACIAL (also known as Maximilano Martirania, and they have created a remarkable EP. Fialkiewicz has carved out her own solo career as well as being a member of such experimental bands as Spore. Here she teams  up with the equally unique and talented EL ZOMBIE ESPACIAL to create three exceptional tracks. The EP is full of sound, electronica, and very brief spoken word that gets across a very serious message. The God’s Design tries to, in a very short time, convey some of the experiences of the Transgender community.

The God’s Design opens with “Gender”, which starts with a very brief sound bite of an individual sharing their experience and is a bold way in which to open the proceedings. Aware of the negative feedback, but still being true to themselves. It is a brave statement that demonstrates the pain and bravery of being trans. A harsh synthesized sound comes in, with beautiful melancholic sounds buried beneath the main almost drill like foreground. It is emotional and brilliant. This leads to the second track, “Transition”, again opening with a powerful statement. Once again, the electronic music comes in and conveys the hurt that many experience from strangers, family, and friends. Once again, one cannot help but be moved by the song and marvel at the ability to convey so much.

The EP ends with “Phase 4”, the only track that does not start with a spoken statement. This track goes right into electronic sounds, with a mix of voices, beats, and sounds. It is the most hard-hitting track and is quite terrifying at points. The layered sounds and use of buried vocals throughout provides a soundtrack of overcoming the  pain and fear that many must experience. It is an astounding piece. The violin at the end with the voice is the perfect way to end.

This must be very close to Fialkiewicz, herself a transgender artist. She has used her music art throughout the years to express her own experience. She has encountered many obstacles and prejudice. The God’s Design is an important piece of art and one that should have more exposure. EL ZOMBIE ESPACIAL and Deborah Fialkiewicz have created a very important piece. And they do not sacrifice the energy and strong musical backing to get across a message. If anything, the subject matter, and the use of sound bites and music all combine to not only complement each other but create a remarkably strong and essential musical project.

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