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Autumnblaze > Mute Boy Sad Girl > Reviews
Autumnblaze - Mute Boy Sad Girl

Kissed My Fear Away. - 80%

Perplexed_Sjel, November 4th, 2007

'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' is a very emotionally charged full-length record. Upon first hearing it, I never expected it to sound anything like it does. I expected it to be very similar to other full-lengths by Autumnblaze, but it's actually not. There are numerous things that are different and perhaps even a bit odd. The industrial side to the full-length is most notably what i'm referring to. There are occasions when it has a place on 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl', but at other times it just seems out of place. This isn't a positive when reflecting back on the full-length, but I wouldn't let that stop you from picking up a copy and taking a gamble with it. There are sections, vocals in particular, which can often be very rewarding.

With bands such as Autumnblaze, I find vocals and lyrics can become very imperative. They need to be fitting in terms of what the music sounds like and they need to fulfil the needs of the audience. Besides those things, they also need to connect to the listener. There are certainly occasions when the lyrics do that rather well. The use of literary techniques is quite pleasing as well. It's like reading poetry, which i'm sure a fair few musicians like doing. It's inspirational and can reflect moods rather well. In particular, the track 'The Nature of Music' has some very good lyrics. They're pleasing to the eye, they connect well with me and they touch the senses. The senses need to be pleased in order to enjoy a record. If something is flat and emotionless, it'll have no impact on it's audience. Thankfully, Autumnblaze are emotionally driven. Their music is based around emotions and displaying them through melody and melancholic songs. Thankfully, Autumnblaze have managed to get the production spot on in order to achieve these goals.

"Music is drifting
On invisible roads
Music is shelter
When your walls are grey again."

To me, these are very well written. Music is very much a safe haven for many people. It's where they turn to escape and with Autumnblaze, this is possible. They create atmospherically pleasing music through use of synths and heavy melodies on guitar which run down the spine of the band. The bands music is tattooed in harmonious music, which is often electronically produced. 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' actually reminds me of some of Ulver's work on 'Perdition City', which is an incredible experience. Both relaxing and soothing, Autumnblaze's electronic elements serve the band well. They add a refreshing side to the band. Something new and different which will certainly appeal to a wider range of people. Aside from these elements, the vocals are by far the most important attraction. Mellow and soft in their approach, they don't bog you down underneath unexpected and uncontrolled growls. Instead, they're beautifully woven around the music. Especially the acoustic sections. 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' is a vast improvement on the last full-length, that's for sure.

There are occasions when you'd be forgiven for thinking 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' wasn't metal ... Simply because it isn't. It's a soft variation of rock music. Amazing piano sections and innovative percussion parts make 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' a very well done album. It's very well written and ever instruments plays an effective part. Nothing gets left behind. There are certain times when the music can seem rather 'cheesey', which isn't to my liking, but it may suit some other people a bit more than it suits me. On the whole, 'Mute Boy, Sad Girl' is very good.