~review by Mike Ventarola

In 2000, Nilaihah Records released a stellar dark dance compilation of up and coming artists. Since its release, most of the bands have garnered consistent accolades for their work. Distorted Reality was among the rising talents featured on this compilation with their hypnotic track "In My Dream."

Up to that point, Distorted Reality teased the psyches of underground music fans across the globe with featured tracks on a number of other compilation releases. Dj's responded favorably to their work and gave their early demo CD rotation and exposure via clubs as well as college and internet radio shows. Episodically, magazines printed favorable reviews of the early demo work as well as interviews of both artists.

Ironically, Distorted Reality isn't a band in the typical sense that we are familiar with. Some years back, Martha Arce, who resides in the US and is also vocalist for the equally phenomenal band Deep Red, met musician Christian Kobusch, who resides in Germany. They maintained a networking correspondence and eventually discussed this endeavor as a collaborative project. Once they established a mutually creative wavelength, Arce began crafting lyrics while Kobusch constructed the musical work, ultimately resulting in this debut release.

"The Fine Line Between Love and Hate" is comprised of songs which deal with the many facets of love and loss. Although this isn't something new in the thematic sense, it is still a topic that is a happy medium that crosses all genres. At some point in time, we will all experience an assortment of similar feelings. What is new, however, is the tonal quality that is constructed to seem as though it is our subconscious coming to the forefront from the lyrical delivery.

Arce's vocal ability carries with it a rather complex task. Although her work is within the dark dance/electronic realm, her sultry inflections and nuances have a dual role of providing an energetic impetus essential for club rotation while also touching us on an almost subliminally emotional level. At the outset, the tracks may seem to be sung within the proper context of the musical rhythm. However, if you listen closely, it becomes evident how she gently weaves fireballs of emotion that are counterpointed by Kobusch's equally well orchestrated notes and inflections. Within the cofines of these songs, the listener is carried upon waves of anger, lust, loss, longing, lonliness, desperation, self-recrimination and survival.

As far as extremely talented vocalists, Arce joins the ranks of other impressive vocalists such as: Dru Allen (This Ascension), Christy Cameron Smith (My Scarlet Life), Lisa Hammer (Mors Syphilitica), Sue Hutton (Rhea's Obsession), Laurie Gordon (Chiwawa), Deborah Lynch (Ego Likeness), Julie Plante (Autumn), Monica Richards (Faith & The Muse), Christianna (Mephisto Walz), Heather Thompson (Tapping The Vein) and Ericah Hagle, Melody Henry & Natalia Lincoln (Unto Ashes). Each of these women possess the innate and uncanny ability to sculpt a song into a living entity. Their talent enables them to internally feel every nuance of a song, transcending mere vocal range, and deliver it to the audience in a tidal wave of emotive expression.

Some may choose a favorite track based on its dance structure appeal. Those with a more introsepctive leaning will find themselves gravitating towards the songs they need to feel in their lives at this moment in time. The timeless and enduring quality about this release is that it has the ability to follow us on our own internal and personal transitions. Added to this are the remixes from a number of notable underground electronic artists, production assistance from Bruno Kramm and the mastering of The Azoic's Steve Laskarides, and one can venture that Distorted Reality is positioned to be the club hit over the coming Summer months and beyond.

If you venture to the band's website, which is listed below, you will find a wealth of additional information about the artists as well as some song samples. If dark dance music appeals to you, be sure to grab a copy of this gem!

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