Silence, The Dream, Tonight, You Fall Down, They Don't Want You, Shadows, The Other Side and Where are you now – Exist and Exit really absorbed well the greatest 80’s influences – and apparently, more obscure, but nonetheless interesting references too –, in all of its vehement and inconspicuous versatility. Although you will hardly be impressed by them, this album is a well flavored pop virtuosity, despite a handful of inexpressive harmonies highlighted in irrelevant musical passages, that compromises more sinuous melodies here and there.
If you are used to 80’s synth or electro pop, you will hardly feel enthusiastic while listening to this album, since, essentially, Snake Heart Society hasn’t presented anything new. Nonetheless, they have potential to attract younger audiences, and they are competent in creating good and decent harmonies, in the old-fashioned style of the genre. They certainly have developed their own sonority, since they didn’t sound generic, although in some brief moments they certainly remind Depeche Mode a little.
Exist and Exit manages to be a good, decent, even splendid album, without a doubt. Although I reassert the fact that this record is far away from being considered a masterpiece or an impeccable debut, there is almost a total absence of major flaws either. And the duo certainly has enough talent, competence and dedication to promote a great and more visceral revival of the genre. They really have a formidable musical sensibility, and great potential to make stunning records in the future. My favorite song in the record was the first, Snake Heart, undoubtedly.
While Exist and Exit could have been a better record, it certainly reveals extensive and exciting musical possibilities. With influences – apparently – ranging from Soft Cell to Daft Punk – and I will not name the most obvious ones, of course –, Snake Heart Society has showed meticulous consistency, an intelligent musical intuition, a great sense of timing and a certain level of subtle authenticity in their curious debut. Like I’ve pointed out above, this record would hardly impress an enthusiastic veteran of the genre, but they do elaborate interesting rhythms that rejuvenates the synthpop atmosphere quite extensively. Exist and Exit certainly can be classified as a very good album. But they have talent and creativity to do better than this.
Wagner