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score: 7/10

Moloko & Ultraviolence is the latest album release from masterminds LXT. Let’s talk about the visual display first. Graphic/album design, art direction and photography was provided by the highly talented Grace Khold from Dope Stars Inc. As well as being produced, recorded mixed and mastered by Victor Love from Dope Stars Inc. Is there a pattern going on here (no, they’re just good friends). The first thing that was noticed about the artwork is that there is a lot of American symbolism on both the front and back covers (US flag, currency, Statue of Liberty), leaving one to wonder what message LXT is trying to send across. Whatever the case maybe, this might be Grace’s best artwork ever for a band that I’ve seen to date.
Musically it seems LXT is a harder rocked version of Dope Stars Inc in varying elements. Whatever their direction might be, it seems to be working well. Opening things, is “Genesis of Te(chn)ocrazy”. It’s got a good beat, but unfortunately it’s hard to understand the words with screams and vocal distortion. “Millenium Nightmare (United Shit of America)” starts off wonderfully with an eerie synth arrangement reminiscent of an 80’s horror movie. Once again, heavy vocal distortion are making it hard to understand what’s being sung at times. The title, and chorus once again reflecting on America makes me a little perturbed at what they might be implying. Yes our country is royally fucked up at the moment, but it’s not really something a band would want if trying to gain fans from this country (in my opinion). I am tempted to send email to the band to clarify any misunderstanding of what they want to convey to everyone. “Maschine Zeit” and “Viral Sublimination” are wonderfully composed, making them my favorite track so far. Everything about them is catchy and makes you want to bounce around and headbang to. “(S)aint (R)evolution” and “Requiem For A Dream” I’m still undecided on.
Overall, the album is pretty good, given a few discrepancies listed above. The boys in LXT definitely have potential for being a front runner as they continue to gain experience, as well as being a band to keep an eye on in the future. I’m not sure if I like the fact they seem to be a DSI clone at times, but if the formula works they have my approval.