Search - Miranda Sex Garden :: Fairytales of Slavery

A mesmerizing album

John William Daly (daly@uni-muenste | Muenster, Germany | 07/16/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Fairytales of Slavery' is probably Miranda Sex Garden's most rocking recording to date, should they ever bring out a successor. They are not everyones cup of tea, as they are difficult to listen to and are musically quite demanding, but this speaks only for the high quality of music and sound. I remember them having a hard time as opening act of Depeche Mode's last european tour a few years back, but the guys from Depeche Mode know good music, the reason why they chose Miranda amongst others. It is difficult to describe Miranda's style. The vocals are gracefully female, in a classical sense, so they do not sound like Alanis Morrisette but more like Dead Can Dance or Cocteau Twins. The music explores the more intense and passionate aspects of people involved with the darker and more passionate sides of love and sex, hence also the fitting title. The guitars are not the dominating aspect, but violins and a driving rhythm section, especially on their songs 'cut' and 'pee! ! p show', last of these being one of my all time favourites. It is certainly not gothic, but far beyond that musical category. The music and atmosphere on the album are far to grown up and mature to be confused with that kind of sound. Miranda Sex Garden are certainly an arty band, but this fact can certainly not be used as a reproach. It is music for serious listeners, who can appreciate this highlight. It is not for people having only a shallow taste in music and it is intended even less so for a superficial audience. All in all, it is an album I admire and respect, as well as love to listen to."

The most experimental album by a most unique group

Matthew Hall | SoCal | 07/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alex Hacke's harsh production helps to make this album sound much different than their other releases. Not necessarily a good thing (you'll be re-adjusting the volume on your stereo alot), though it works well much of the time. This one is full of exotic insrumentation like piccolos and glockenspiels in addition to the usual mix of guitars and violins. No synthesizers whatsoever. It sounds the least "goth" of any of their albums, too, as if that word really means anything anymore. The single 'Peepshow' is one of their best songs, and I kind of wished there were more songs like that one on here. 'The Wooden Boat' and 'Havana Lied' are very interesting musically. Unfortunately there are too many throwaway songs ('Cover My Face', 'The Monk Song') and bland instrumentals on here to rank this one up there with SUSPIRIA and CARNIVAL OF SOULS."

Why Haven't this band broken through?

A. Copp | USA | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Has anyone heard this band but me? Awesome all female Goth/Industrial hybrid is like Enya meets Skinny Puppy. But that makes it sound way more simplistic than it is. This band deserves some attention immediately!The songs Cut and Fly are austounding visions of heartbreak and sadness and peepshow is amoung the best songs of the goth genre ever recorded. While TRANSIT and SERIAL ANGELS display an aptitude towards intrumentals that is rarely matched anywhere.Buy this now!"