Album Review: 601 – We Are Not The Same (SeeHear Recordings)

601, the electronic duo capable of filling dancefloors and mosh pits equally, are back with their brand-new album, ‘We Are Not the Same’. Out now via SeeHear Recordings. Marrying the worlds of rock and electronica, but in a unique way and with varied collaborations.

For me to talk honestly about this record, I must stress that this is me out of my comfort zone completely. That’s not to say I don’t listen to electronica and its off shoots, but normally it’s wrapped around rock and metal, and the heavier side still dominates. I mention this because there are plenty aspects of the record and 601 overall, that don’t quite work for me because I am not a fan of this style, overall.

So, why am I even reviewing it then? Because I love stepping out of my comfort zone and so should you. How do you know if you’ll like something if you don’t try? Especially when electronica is so prevalent in the rock, metal, and alternative world anyway? Not only that, but we’ve also had singles and those have been very cool, offering up a bevy of musical experiences that sound just as clever and compelling on the full thing.

I’ll get to the ones I’ve already checked out, but first, how cool is the title track? A layered, atmospheric, body-shaker that pulsates with dark life. A track that electrifies the senses. When I tell people that I like 601, it’s because of tracks like this. Whereas tracks like Killer and Nothing is Cool challenge me in unforgettable ways. The former, with its erratic beats and intensity courtesy of fakeyourdeath’s guest vocals. The latter, with its upbeat pop elements, retro dance and goth-tinged anthemic qualities, and unique Jay Butler (Concrete Hyena/Grand Theft Audio) guest spot.

I still dig the hell out of them, even if they’re not my favourites. What are favourites though are Sleeper Cell, You Need This, and Outrunner. Each track comes with a stellar guest, each offering up something different, and each sounding thoroughly at home within 601’s dance-inducing energy and atmosphere. What we have here is a blend of experimental music. From Sleeper Cell’s woozy manic breakbeat style that comes with an immersive amount of post rock (Hidden Mother’s Arian Malekpour is a star here).

To the team up with someone well versed in the ways of metal, Kieran Scott of DeathCollector. Bringing a ton of aggression and fury to a techno-based track. One that has a retro feel to me, albeit dark as hell. Whereas Outrunner’s spacey and dramatic vibes hit just right, creating the feeling of being in a dark and dingy underground club as 601 and Din of Celestial Birds’ Matt Benatan direct the insanity that unfolds under the hot lights. Very cool stuff.

601 have one hell of a story, going all the way back to the early-90s, and that history is prevalent in what they do here. However, what really impresses is that this record still has a strong, contemporary sound and sounds fresh. Least of all because of 601’s interesting blend of styles and genes.

Electrifying and eclectic, what more could you want? Esoteric atmosphere, vibrant groove, heart-pounding rhythms, mind-numbing beats, smile-inducing and gurn-forcing touches, there’s so much to experience here and the likes of Cross, BSSLN, Fade Out, and Level Up certainly offer up some of the album’s most eccentric sounding songs. Though the album being capped off with the excellent Inkblood is a smart choice. Not only because it has such manic life, but because it features the incredible Adam Sedgwick of Tribe of Ghosts. What a team up, and what an album. Not everything is going to hit for you, it doesn’t for me, but the joy of experiencing 601 is that they have so much to offer, something will and suddenly, you’re obsessed.

601 – We Are Not the Same Track Listing:

1. We Are Not the Same
2. Killer feat. fakeyourdeath
3. Nothing Is Cool feat. Jay Butler (Concrete Hyena/Grand Theft Audio)
4. Sleeper Cell feat. Arian Malekpour
5. Cross
6. You Need This feat. Kieran Scott (Death Collector)
7. Outrunner feat. Matt Benatan (Din of Celestial Birds)
8. BSSLN feat. Madrush MC
9. Fade Out feat. Jake Harding
10. Level Up
11.Inkblood feat. Adam Sedgwick (Tribe of Ghosts)

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Spotify