Artist Info:Discography Album length: 16 tracks: 56 minues, 38 seconds Street Date: November, 2003
I've always hated goodbyes. And it isn't easier when it's the reign of a talented group of artists
that comes to an end. Earthsuit, although an entity since the late nineties, didn't start really shaking
things up until their 2000 Sparrow Records debut Kaleidoscope Superior. Although album sales weren't
exactly labeled "impressive," Earthsuit offered an engaging live performance that wasn't easily matched. Their
mix of electronic rock coupled with reggae synth flavoring made them a unique act to behold. After their
national debut, Earthsuit soon virtually disappeared, occasionally coming up for air on the web with news
of a pending indie release. In 2003, the rumor became reality as their follow-up release would be deemed
their last - a hodge podge of random bits from recent and past Earthsuit history called The Rise of Modern Simulation.
While the artwork reeks of independent craftsmanship (in stark contrast to the 3D effects that made up the cover
of Kaleidoscope Superior), The Rise of Modern Simulation has a few glorious uber-indie moments.
The opening track "1-2-3" is a classic Earthsuit track mixing synths and vocal harmonies that might have
a slight "boy band" feel but with an edge. "Bloodshot Fanatical" takes the listener back to Kaleidoscope
days while "Foreign" is more of an awkward rap-driven quirky track. The greatest gem on the record is the
next track, "Nightfall," an almost eerie and dramatic synth-rock song while another gem "Gummy Buffalo" offers
a Mars-Ill-esque rap and an infectious drum beat.
Most of the rest of the project is merely fan filler. Some tracks are live, but they don't play out as well on
CD as they do experienced in person. The sound quality is a little too poor as well, but a treat for hardcore
Earthsuit fans nonetheless.
The Rise of Modern Simulation is a bittersweet goodbye for a band that had a lot of promise. If the project
had been trimmed to just include the best, it would have made a stellar EP. But nonetheless, the live songs and even
bonus live and behind-the-scenes footage make this an absolute must for the collection of any avid Suit fan.
- Review date: 1/19/04, written by John DiBiase
Artist Info:Discography Record Label: (independent)
Album length: 16 tracks, 56 minues and 38 seconds
Street Date: November, 2003
Artist Info: 
