Blaqk Audio - Cex Cells

Blaqk Audio
Cex Cells
Interscope/Tiny Evil
Grade: A-

‘Wait, when did Depeche Mode put out a new album?’ That’s a common question that you hear when folks first take a gander at Blaqk Audio’s Cex Cells. In actuality, most fans of contemporary rock and punk probably know more about who is Blaqk Audio than what they actually sound like. Blaqk Audio consists of Davey Havok and Jade Puget from goth-punkers AFI, and this is their electronic new wave side project. Several years in the making, it is easy to be skeptical of Cex Cells – a million side projects get floated by bands making strides and often then not they’re withering messes. Of course, to enjoy Cex Cells you have to enjoy electronic new wave that’s designed for dance floors and clubs. If you don’t like that stuff, then you will hate Cex Cells even if you dig AFI. For those who either love 80s electro new wave or are simply a fan of electronic pop, you are going to love the twelve-song Cex Cells. Within the album there is a full spectrum of speeds, moods, tempos, and vocal ranges. You want upbeat movers, check out “Snuff On Digital”; you want more introspection, check out “Between Breaths”; you want middle-of-the-road electro new wave, check out “Where Would You Like Them Left?”; etc. Oh dear, it is possible that Blaqk Audio could still some of AFI’s thunder.