OVS
"Scaracco"
Black Orchid Productions
Rating: "The Absolute Scaracco" side - 3,5 of 6
        "Flavour Changing Neutral Currents" side - 5 of 6
I've got myself acquainted with Black Orchid's work only few months ago when I gave a listen to THE VENUS FLY TRAP's MC, and actually, that one was a complete failure. Fortunately, Poland's OVS musically is much better. "Scaracco" is comprised of two parts: the first one appears as some slightly depraved (hmm…) electro / gothic / industrial-alike stuff with "clean" male vocals accompanied by weirdly structured harmonies and few screams here and there. Definitely original, but not my cup of tea anyway. Fortunately, in comparison to the first part, the second one managed to intrigue me with it's dark and gloomily arranged mixture of rave-alike industrial (!) and hauntingly bewitching ambiences "courtesy of" dark ambient. Amateurs of weird and controversial music as well as all the open-minded individuals most likely would fall in love with this MC. Or am I wrong…???
Email: matko@isternet.sk
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

RHONDIAN
"Fact Or Your Fiction"
Black Orchid Productions
rating: 3 of 6
This one was recorded together with OVS' "Scaracco", and sorry, but "Fact Or Your Fiction" is far from being an impressive effort. Varying from ambient-alike structures through some harsh industrial to pseudo-dark wave, this work is somewhat innovative and versatile, no doubts. However it just leaves me cold, y'know. I wouldn't say I don't like this kind of music - more likely, I don't like the kind of music delivered by RHONDIAN. It's a bit incomplete, sometimes making you to wonder if these guys really know what they wanted to come up with. And yes, the female singer definitely has to elaborate her voice, otherwise she must be replaced.
Email: matko@isternet.sk
(review by Herr Stalhammar)