SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STRVNGERS – AMOR/NOIR

Strvngers
Amor/Noir
Negative Gain

Strvngers is a Canadian duo, and Armor/Noir is their third album, and perhaps their most accessible. Hailing from small town Alberta, Maria Joaquin (vocals) and KC (music) have honed their craft very well on this album. They have taken what they have learned from their previous releases and have developed a consistent, well thought out album.

The album title, Amor/Noir, translates to Black Love. ‘Amor’ is Spanish for love, and ‘Noir’ is French for Love, and the album is full of songs that reflect the title. Amor/Noir is a relentless album. Full electronica coming at the listener from the opening second until the last second of the album. Some tracks, such as “This Is Not A Phase”, which happens to be the first single, are somewhat more melodic and have a hint of ‘80’s synthpop.

Other tracks are bordering screamo (“Vanity”) and there are all stops in between, yet  it all comes together to form the album. KC provides the heavy, dense, electronic music while Joaquin uses his voice to not only sing but emote emotion.

Strvngers make excellent use of noise, and some of the songs are almost assaults on the listeners’ ears. Songs, such as “Pink Coffin” just come out of the gates ready for anything and anyone to challenge.

Fans of dark electronica will enjoy this album. There is a lot to enjoy. Some of the songs lend themselves to remixes and I hope that some of the songs will find their way into the dance clubs. The album is well produced and well arranged.

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