[Nov. 07 2008] V/A - "Alfa Matrix Re:connected [3.0]" 2CD + DVD (carton
Box)
http://www.alfa-matrix.com/shop_comments.php?id=1574_0_8_0_C

[Nov. 07 2008] V/A - "Alfa Matrix Re:connected [3.0]" 2CD + DVD (carton Box)
+ 2CD of your choice
http://www.alfa-matrix.com/shop_comments.php?id=1577_0_8_0_C

[Nov. 07 2008] V/A - "Alfa Matrix Re:connected [3.0]" 2CD + DVD (carton Box)
+ 4CD box of your choice
http://www.alfa-matrix.com/shop_comments.php?id=1578_0_8_0_C


V/A . alfa matrix - re:connected [3.0]
Release Date: 7.nov.2008
Label: alfa matrix
Format: Double-CD + DVD (carton Box)

TRACK-LISTING
CDone
101. SHAUN F . drty fckn dsko *
102. DISKONNEKTED . prayer (NORTHBORNE edit) **
103. BRUDERSCHAFT . return (IMPERATIVE REACTION mix) *
104. ESSENCE OF MIND . here to play (re:connected mix) *
105. NEBULA-H . head off (re:headed mix) *
106. LEAETHER STRIP . one more reason (SUPREME COURT mix) *
107. ACYLUM . crazy *
108. KLUTAE . long live EBM *
109. TAMTRUM . chronic lies *
110. STAR INDUSTRY . crush (ESSENCE OF MIND mix) *
111. TECHNOIR . dying star (MESH mix) *
112. AGONISED BY LOVE .shelter (single edit) *
113. REGENERATOR . dreams (recon mix) *
114. SEIZE . virtual love *
115. P.N.E. feat. LEAETHER STRIP . smalltown boy *
116. DIFFUZION . she's machine *
117. IMPLANT feat. ANGELSPIT . violence *

CDtwo
201. KOMOR KOMMANDO . love your neighbour *
202. NEIKKA RPM . warped *
203. MONOLITH . under the sun *
204. AYRIA . bad list (ESSENCE OF MIND mix) *
205. HELALYN FLOWERS . e-race generation (CRISK. mix) *
206. ZOMBIE GIRL . gonna getcha (freak edit) **
207. KRYSTAL SYSTEM . i love my chains *
208. PSY'AVIAH . voltage (re:connected mix) *
209. AIBOFORCEN feat. LEAETHER STRIP . poem of life *
210. MENTALLO & THE FIXER . xavier (riding the razor's edge) *
211. DUNKELWERK . mehr licht (preview cut) *
212. UNTER NULL . moving on (ACYLUM mix) * UNRELEASED TRACK
213. STRAY . all I wanted * UNRELEASED TRACK
214. TRISOMIE 21 . hear me now *
215. 32CRASH . aliens on earth *
216. I:SCINTILLA .the bells (ANGELSPIT mix) **
217. MIND:STATE . immortal *

DVDthree
301. SEIZE . teacher *
302. AYRIA . my device **
303. HEADSCAN . lolife (extended) *
304. LEAETHER STRIP . civil disobedience *
305. DISKONNEKTED . nu speak (amplified) *
306. PSY'AVIAH feat. Suzi Q. Smith . moments *
307. NEBULA-H . symbiosis **
308. DIFFUZION . wired tunes *
309. CRISK. feat LEAETHER STRIP . beute **
310. GLIS . october skies (re:inforced) *
311. NEIKKA RPM . everlasting *
312. REGENERATOR . terrible love *
313.AGONISED BY LOVE . southern sun *
314. KRYSTAL SYSTEM . slice *
315. STAR INDUSTRY . last crusades **
316. I:SCINTILLA . toy soldier (live) *
317. FRONT 242 . Headhunter (live)
318. PNE . gold (live) **
319. TAMTRUM . pervert inc. (live) *

* previously unreleased
** rare or deleted material



INFO-TEXT ENGLISH
In 2008, the Belgian label ALFA MATRIX will celebrate its 7th anniversary.
For the occasion, a special deluxe carton box double-CD + DVD (!!) label
compilation, "alfa matrix - re:connected [3.0]" will be released featuring
exclusive and previously unreleased material from ALL artists in the matrix.
And as a special feature to make this 34-track audio release even more
valuable to collector's, an extended 19-track video clip DVD collection is
included to visually enhance the experience!
Since its creation, Alfa Matrix has established itself as one of the few
unavoidable label references for quality electronic / EBM / industrial
music. Refusing to be typecast into a fixed format, Alfa Matrix quickly
built a varied international roster accentuated by influential artists
including pioneers such as FRONT 242, LEAETHER STRIP, TRISOMIE 21, MENTALLO
& THE FIXER, MONOLITH, PLASTIC NOISE EXPERIENCE, etc. along side a stable of
outstanding and fast ascending younger acts and promising newcomers.
For this birthday occasion, many of the Alfa Matrix bands did not hesitate
to reveal brand new songs: UNTER NULL, AIBOFORCEN, 32CRASH, DUNKELWERK,
STRAY, KLUTAE, TAMTRUM, REGENERATOR, SEIZE, DIFFUZION, IMPLANT, NEIKKA RPM,
MONOLITH, MENTALLO & THE FIXER, MIND:STATE, etc. Other noticeable
contributions are from BRUDERSCHAFT revealing a new song with Tom Shear
(Assemblage 23) on vocals, TRISOMIE 21 announcing with "Hear Me Now" another
beautiful album for 2009 or yet the unique collaboration between PNE and
LEAETHER STRIP on a matchless duet remake of the timeless hit "Smalltown
Boy" - all offer guaranteed highlights on this compilation. We also enjoy
rare or new exclusive mixes of recent club hits from bands like LEAETHER
STRIP, AYRIA, DISKONNEKTED, ESSENCE OF MIND, NEBULA-H, STAR INDUSTRY,
TECHNOIR, AGONISED BY LOVE, HELALYN FLOWERS, ZOMBIE GIRL, I:SCINTILLA. And
last but not least, the uplifting appearance of the label's recent signings
KOMOR KOMMANDO (Sebastian Komor's next big power club hit solo-machine),
SHAUN F (new killer solo-project of GLIS' frontman), Paris-based KRYSTAL
SYSTEM, Belgium's latest highlight PSY'AVIAH and the next dark elektro
revelation on Alfa Matrix with the addition of Germany's ACYLUM for his next
album.
"re:connected [3.0]" holds over 2 hours of eclectic electronic music, an
ultimate sonic birthday card presenting the impressive Alfa Matrix
constellation of artists and what they have to offer you musically and
emotionally, plus some 19 video clips for your visual pleasure! From
electronica to power EBM, through harsh elektro, techno pop, industrial'n
beat, darkwave and goth industrial.the matrix holds no limits.

I'm currently putting together a live band for STRAY because I'm lining up some shows for this project.

I'm in need of a violinist and a drummer. I would prefer electronic drums - and electric violin is indeed OK.

I am located in Washington, but I'm open to the possibility of having musicians located in other areas - I'm willing to travel and so should you.

Please have the ability to tour and rehearse. Please be good at your skill. I would also prefer stage experience.


If interested or if you know anyone please contact me at UNTERNULL@GMAIL.COM or here on Myspace.


Thanks :)

Erica

http://www.darktwincities.com/reviews.php?review=107


 Stray - Abuse By Proxy [return to reviews]
Review by Christopher Roddy
 

Unter Null began as a solo Industrial project by Erica Dunham in 1998. Her evolution as a composer over the past decade has allowed the music to embrace a more accessible Aggrotech sheen that opened up clubgoers to her brand of harsh electronics and vitriolic, distorted vocals. With a few albums and EPs under her belt it was time to introduce a divergent side to this personality which has amassed a sizable following. Stray is Dunham's attempt to add dimension and breadth to her growing repertoire. As expansive as it is delicate the sound of this new project has been marketed as similar to the late-Nineties output of Front Line Assembly side effort Delerium. Projecting such a limited comparison, however, does Dunham some disservice as the music is reminiscent of a variety of artists as well as her own past works. It also manages to find a unique niche that bodes well for the success of Abuse By Proxy.

"Fade Into You" is a gorgeous, epic track that breathes a synthetic mist which seems to spring straight out of the soundscapes of the Dot Allison project One Dove from fifteen years ago. One of the album highlights, it radiates an emotional warmth that envelops the listener and becomes a kind of sonic blanket shielding you from the anxieties of everyday life. "Lost Command" opens up with waves of synth that immediately call to mind Everything Is Wrong-era Moby and takes on a skittering speed with a rhythm that doesn't ground the song so much as propel its wings into the stratosphere as an insistent chord progression guides your path.

Meanwhile, the title track is like a significantly more haunting echo of SynthPop. Were it played straight without all the effects it would be on par with some of that genre's most notable releases but Dunham has other plans, elevating the proceedings with a church-like reverence that doesn't overstay its welcome and leads straight into the angelic "In Times Of Misanthropy," which always seems on the verge of collapse under threads of corrosion without coming across as abrasive in the least. It succeeds in completing an arc that begins with sentimental self-discovery and ends in tumultuous uncertainty.

While all of this might come across as Nineties nostalgia there are touches of Eighties Pop stylings mixed in along with contemporary sensibilities and an imaginative flair for song structure. The biggest treat is hearing Erica come out from behind all of the distortion and letting her impressively alluring voice be heard. While not entirely effects-free it comes across as considerably more intimate and should serve to catch long time fans off guard. The biggest victory to spring from this venture would be that Abuse By Proxy adds a certain amount of depth to Dunham's previous recordings and fleshes her out as a three-dimensional artist not limited by genre affiliation. Whereas she once railed at a "Sick Fuck" and ranted nihilistically in "You Have Fallen From Grace" about having been broken down, here she extols "I adore you / I cherish you" ("Kindred Soul"), and declares "I want to dig a great big hole / deep down in the ground / and crawl inside with you / I want to crawl on hands and knees" ("The Tie That Binds").

Most of this album languishes in an achingly romanticized, mid-tempo pace which might not immediately translate into extensive club play, however there is a special 2CD edition that includes numerous remixes which should serve to whet every DJs appetite and help sell the album to otherwise unaware club mavens. It may not appeal to fans of the more aggressive, distorted sounds of her primary project but Stray is a serendipitous surprise that reveals Dunham to be quite the creative force, lending a hefty amount of crossover appeal to her already impressive body of work. Abuse By Proxy is well worth your interest.

http://yesternight.pl/index.php?action=cdreview&id=58<=en


I'm not sure if anyone – after having listened to „Abuse by Proxy" - would come up with the idea that Stray is a side-project of Erica Dunham, widely known of Unter Null, which, as you know, ruins ears, chops brains and generally speaking plays no tender nanny serving harsh, uncontrollable electro industrial sounds.

And yet already the first piece of the album - „Kindred Soul" - is gentle, female and highly melodious. Such a tendency is kept throughout the whole album: Erica makes use of electronic sounds, which, however, serve enchanting and not spreading destruction. Such a choice entails presentation of various emotional nuances - from lively to those more introvert and concentrated.

Obviously, the album also contains fine rhythms and a fair dose of carefully proportioned, not particularly fast or harsh beats like in „The Tie That Binds", „Intoxicate" or „Break Me Free" (stunning, emotional vocal giving thrills!), but surely it's not what Erica made us used to. Everything is cold, but it's not a merciless ice of smashing beat, but rather of crystalline clear melodies and vocals, reverberations and echoes, a bit ephemeral and meditative, hypnotic tones bordering dreams, reality and „neverending story", or even Badalamenti - though with no exaggeration whatsoever („Fade Into You" , „Does It Really Matter?" or „Sleep As Metaphor")

Amazing.

Apart from 11 new tracks the album also contains three remixes – rather moderate, featuring an atmosphere which I'd describe as neurotic, abstract and tinged with sullenness – I'd even say it goes into direction of darkness not light, which seems to prevail on the album.

„Abuse by Proxy" proves Erika is a versatile artist who is not afraid of exploring gentler regions of soul and also that a woman who is able to smash the most experienced club fighters may also enfold the listeners with enchanting, delicate and fragile sonic material.

http://www.smalltowncriminals.de/newsfl/content/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3870

Here is the English version:

01.    Hello Erica, thanks for giving us an interview. What are you doing right now after having finished the STRAY-Album?

Hi! Well I can't sit still for long so I'm once again working on new material for the next Unter Null album… taking my time, etc. I'm also going on tour in July as Unter Null with C/A/T supporting, so there are a lot of preparations being made for that.


02.    Let's talk about "Abuse For Proxy". First, what does the title stand for?

"Abuse by Proxy", really means when the abuser uses others to inflict abuse on his/her victim. Having been on the receiving end of this particular kind of horrible treatment, I researched various personality disorders and this seems to be a particular kind of behaviour akin with people with narcissistic personality disorder. To make a long story short, these people are really quite venomous and will drain the life out of you. Firsthand knowledge. The album is a result of many stories dealing with these kinds of people. If you notice, with the lyrics, the songs start out relatively happy and peaceful and by the end of the album they are rather depressing. I think this is symbolic.

03.    Why did you launch this new project? Couldn't you have done a calm UNTER NULL-album? Or does STRAY stand for the calm, somewhat romantic side of your personality, while UNTER NULL is your second, the aggressive face?

No – Unter Null is out my outlet for angrier feelings, whereas Stray remains my outlet for both happy and melancholy feelings. The two can not be one; I must keep them separated.

04.    Was it difficult to decide, whether an idea fits better for STRAY than for UNTER NULL? At least a song like "Intoxicate" is not that different from the "The Failure Epiphany"-stuff in my ears.

Intoxicate was actually written several years ago, so this was pre-Stray. I finally decided to put it in with the Stray album because to MY ears it fits a lot more, definitely not Unter Null material. I don't have a problem these days deciding which song goes to which project. I think I have a reached a point in my music career where I'm quite certain of things.

05.    I'd like to talk about some other songs. I think, the lyrics of "The Tie That Binds" are quite remarkable, since I would not have expected you singing this. I guess it's not autobiographical, right? Or does it represent another side of you? Sorry, if this question is too private for you.

"The Tie That Binds" was indeed written with someone in mind…

06.    The lyrics for "Break Me Free" and "Does It Really Matter" are somehow desperate, as if you would have given up a fight finally. Is this impression right?

Break Me Free is about some personal battles and demons I have that I struggle with. It's not about anyone in particular except myself and my own struggles. "Does It Really Matter" I think is more self-explanatory in the way that one just wants to give up feeling – anything.

07.    Will there be more STRAY material in the future or is the album non-recurring?

 I do plan on having more releases for Stray. I never STOP writing music, so eventually another album will come to fruition, I'm quite sure of it.

08.    Does this project finally have any influence on the way UNTER NULL will be developing in the future? Are you already working on new UN stuff?

As I stated earlier, I try my best to keep the content of both projects separate, in both music and lyrics. If I'm having a bad day, I know it's better to work on Unter Null material. If I'm feeling relatively happy with things, Stray is what I will work on.

09.    You have been touring in Europe with SUICIDE COMMANDO and FROZEN PLASMA. Can you tell us some impressions you got about the countries you have been to and the fans there?

I LOVE Europe. I was all over the place (and Russia) for almost 2 years, and just absolutely loved it. I was really impressed with Russia and the people there – they are so warm and kind! France has an interesting metal scene, and I really enjoyed my time in Germany as well – the club events are huge! Italy has some of the warmest people I've met and I definitely want to go back there – I've fallen in love with that country.

10.    Is there a big scene for your kind of music in the US? I do not really know about an EBM-scene or a gothic scene comparable to the scene we have in Germany.

We do have a scene here, but definitely not a scale that matches, say, Germany. One of the problems being that the US is so big, and therefore people are scattered everywhere. This, of course, makes touring a lot more difficult because it's so expensive. I do find the industrial scene in the states to be a lot more drama-ridden than any other.

11.    What kind of music do you listen to in my private? Do you have any idols musically?

My idol, for over 15 years now, has been Nick Cave – can you believe it?  He's one of the greatest musicians to me. On my own time I listen to a very wide range of music – anything from downtempo to black metal to dark ambient to indie rock. If I like it, then I like it. I'm definitely not an elitist when it comes to what I listen to – I just know what I like. If that makes me uncool then so be it. Right now I'm a huge fan of IAMX and genCAB. genCAB did a brilliant remix on the Stray album, and I can't wait for his album to be released. Definitely one of the hidden talents in the scene.

12.    Can you live with your music or are you doing another job alongside?

I do have a dayjob – I can only dream to make enough to live on my music! I am a bartender.

13.    Are you interested in national politics? Do you follow the election campaigns?And do you hope for a change in the US?

 I absolutely abhor politics and try to stay as far away as possible. I think all politicians are crooked and out for their own gain. However, I can't wait to see Bush out of office. He is a disgrace to this country. It will take a long time for our economy to recover.

14.    What in life is worth fighting for in your opinion?

Your passions, your beliefs, yourself, and love.

15.    And what do you despise?

I despise two-faced people, I despise passive-aggressive behaviour (and passive behaviour), I despise people who abuse animals, and I despise people who abuse other people.

16.    As usual, the last words are yours!

I hope everyone can always find something to be passionate about.

http://www.releasemagazine.net/Onrecord/orstrayabp.htm


" Somehow I knew she had it in her; all the faux nihilism of Unter Null was merely an act. Beneath the stage blood and personahood there was a thoughtful countenance full of potential. "Abuse by Proxy" is a beautiful, stark album of emotional disconnection and vehement pleading for completion. Her site speaks of the influence for Stray being "outside" and after all the tours, the interviews, the personalities... she may have finally had time to process it all and reflect.

"Kindred Soul" has been getting a lot of press and it is wisely placed right at the start of the album. It's a charming little pop song followed by songs I find to be beguiling in their sirenhood: the stunning "Hold on" and the triumph which is "Lost Command". The former is as close as she's ever gotten to a straight up ballad and it is a bejeweled mixture of slow sweeps, dreamy guitar work, adjacent vocals buried behind a sheet of ice. The latter could be a theme for a phalanx of phantasmic souls lost between the light of this world and the sheer nothingness which comes after. To say that "Lost Command" has some motivational content is putting it mildly. Of all the work I've heard of hers, this one song is a definite favourite.

But more than just a collection of moods, "Abuse by Proxy" is also a celebration of the limitless power which electronic music can be harnessed to unleash. Dunham has shed her alter ego's cliches to give us a work which I hope she follows up on soon. The depth and sheer sensuality of Stray makes me miss Ivoux even more. Unlike that ill-fated act, Stray is alive and vivaciously resplendent with facets of this world's propensity to engage cascading throughout the entire length of the record. That this music suits the part of the world I live in to a tee is purely a bonus. The grey skies, the crystalline coldly affronting rivers and lakes, this is "Abuse by Proxy", an album by an outfit called Stray and it is spellbinding."



The only thing I might have to add for myself- there is no 'faux nihilism' on my part.
My lyrics are quite honest...

http://www.smalltowncriminals.de/newsfl/content/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3739

[TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN]
(probably in a very poor way :))

I guess the name of the least likely STRAY readers a concept. UNTER NULL perhaps even more. Behind both projects is the American woman ERICA DUNHAM, the latest at the impressive UNTER NULL album "The Failure Epiphany" has demonstrated that they contribute to the creative minds of the electric scene to count. Where the album yet shone with emotional aggression, there is in the long-awaited "Abuse By Proxy" much calmer, but no less poignant to hear sounds. Where the album yet shone with emotional aggression, there is the long-awaited "Abuse By Proxy" much calmer, but no less poignant to hear sounds.

While harsh electrical UNTER NULL is presented Erica's STRAY in her quieter, gentler side. Somewhere between ambient and electric pop settled, the album sounds hypnotic in both areas, as well as driving beats and bass and some enchanting beautiful vocal lines and melodies.

Erica's vocals are only very rarely distorted ( "Intoxicate"), the music has an almost gentle nature, even if subliminally still latent aggression can be perceived.

With the positive "Kindred Soul" starts "Abuse By Proxy" unusually friendly and almost romantic, including some personal text. . Düsterer and in the truest sense of the word fascinating, "The Tie That Binds". Therefore, while the singing in extremely quiet "Fade Into You" a comforting showers on the back hunts.
This is not boring, has Erica floats some tracks produced by samplers next to the famous "Intoxicate" stings especially "Lost Command", with trance sounds and a up to a rock beat rhythm increasing enthusiasm.

Even before the sound of an acoustic guitar doesn't discourages STRAY back ( "Does It Really Matter?") As well as the combination of tribal rhythms and singing in "Break Me Free" I like extremely well.

A large part of the songs had in fact not an Unter Null sound, to the extent that it was logical that this child has another name. And I am curious to see how her musical career will continue to develop.
"Abuse By Proxy" in any event all the heart that are challenging and atmospheric sounds far from pure club music to appreciate.
And, as with ALFA MATRIX now usual, there is the album in the first edition as a double CD, on the second disc, there are four bonus tracks and seven more remixes.
That should be enough incentive to buy, right?

http://www.gothtronic.com/?page=23&reviews=5016

Erica Dunham is mostly known from the harsh electro project Unter Null. Since some time she also has a side project, named Stray, which already spawned some compilation appearances. No one however could have thought that Stray with Abuse by Proxy would deliver such a monumental album. On Abuse by Proxy, Dunham connects the spheres of Delerium with British icons such as Anne Clark, Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine. Abuse by Proxy is an electronic album that breathes emotion, whilst the music sounds both delicate and powerful. Especially the tracks 'Kindred Soul' and 'Hold On' are great examples of dreampop, with the vocals of Dunham, in combination with the sounds seem to almost desperately breathe it's warmth in an attempt to break the layer of ice behind which they are hiding. 'Intoxicate' shows more the trance side and this appeals not as much to me although it does make the comparison to Delerium justified. 'Lost Command' however is an epic track which has no equal. Stunning! 'Break Me Free' contains a tribal touch, while 'Does It Really Matter?' is surprisingly completed by the sound of an acoustic guitar and 'In Times of Misanthropy' reflects cinematographic trance. Erica Dunham shows with Abuse by Proxy she has a many sided musical talent. The music of Stray is passionate and has musical depth. Miles apart from the artifical appearance that comes with Dunham's Unter Null project. Abuse by Proxy is a very beautiful album with electronic downtempo music that really touches the listener. The regular version of this album contains three remixes of GenCab, Mothboy and Keef Baker.

..

ON SALE NOW!







STRAY - Abuse by Proxy

PRICE: EUR 17 Shipping included worldwide

Original Release Date: May. 23rd. 2008

Label: Alfa Matrix


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STRAY - Abuse by Proxy + Devalued and Discarded 2CD Limited Edition

PRICE: EUR 24 Shipping included worldwide

Original Release Date: May. 23rd. 2008

Label: Alfa Matrix


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Description:

American Erica Dunham reached success with her harsh UNTER NULL project, which rapidly became one of the leading bands on the Alfa Matrix label. It is now under the STRAY moniker that she reveals a more delicate artistic approach. "Abuse by Proxy"'s eerie sound awakes some dormant emotions deep inside of you while her bittersweet lyrics give a certain acrid flavour to the poignant melodies that rapidly start possessing you. It is no surprise that STRAY's sound has been described as DELERIUM/CONJURE ONE's atmospheres filtered through UNTER NULL's noir soul.

STRAY's sound is identified more by the reverent side of the human spirit, and once viewed through her heart, one can perceive hope and light at the end of this trancey tunnel of melancholy, melodies carrying clear sequences, bittersweet words and mesmerising atmospheres. There is the hope of life even in the darkest of valleys and nature has progressively started taking over again.

Erica unveils with this project an unexpected coiled side of her enigmatic persona and colours her unique intricate song-writing style with a lighter 80'stainted tone. STRAY has a big heart and an open soul yet still has so much more to share. Embrace it.

The deluxe 2CD carton box comes with a bonus disc including several exclusive bonus tracks and remixes.

MORE INFO:


ALFA MATRIX

STRAY

UNTER NULL