How do obtain the music you listen to? Purchase, stream, physical or digital formats? A combination of them all, or do you download from a Torrent provider? Do you take notice of piracy legislation? Do you seed copyrighted material to others? Well, thats just a couple of concepts Bad Guys Get Dead considers with his newest EP 'Resistor'. In Fact, at the time of writing this review he has unleashed 'Resistor' via P2P and the only other means of listening comes with a hefty price tag of $500. This EP is mighty fine, in a host of ways, but I just don't have the means to purchase it. Looks like I'll just have to obtain it the other way. Or should I?

What is the price of art? it sure does have a value, art in all it's forms has the power to make us think and to make us question and the creators of art surely are worthy to be heralded as leaders. At the very least they deserve to be paid for their work!

The release strategy alone tells you that this mostly dark, bass fueled cyberpunk series of tracks sets out to provoke conversation around piracy, Internet addiction, reliance upon, being watched by and controlled by technology. This is the catalyst sowing the seed for dystopia.

Anyway, let's get down to review ‘Resistor’, by Bad Guys Get Dead.

Cybersecurity protocol is initiatiated as we enter 'The Scanner', reading our thoughts to detect any threat to the system that has been imposed upon us. Spoken samples and a heavy, almost Nu Metal sludgy guitar riff drags us through the security check. The sliced vocal sample helps those synaptic thoughts to flow, whilst that looped riff appeases our more primitive side. We shouldn't be scared if we have nothing to hide. But, honestly who doesn't! So beware those secrets will be detected!

'Hyperconvergence' ups the pace with toe tapping ferocity! The drum samples and sequencing are tight, and the explosive kicks get that adrenaline pumping. The structure maintains that Nu Metal edge and introduces new sonic elements, namely synth work. The higher notes work nicely with the metal style thumping drum work and fuzzy bass tones.

Deep, groovy, slap like bass introduces us to 'Information Superhighway' and the vocal samples remind us of the addictive qualities of the Internet, where reality merges with virtual realities. The ensuing coma places us in real danger numbing our emotions, separating us from family and friends like any other narcotic. That said, this track has a fun, at times experimental, composition where the sounds of modems and distorted samples are positioned at the forefront of the mix and lead the listener to contemplate the intrusion, the hold Internet use has on their lives.

Get those engines started, '7000RPM' is required here! This track brings a different flavour to the album, a much more outrun feel with mysterious dark layers of Trance as we embark on a late night drive. The latter third of the track turns slightly darker with a vocal sample to cement the essence of the track, we need to prepare for 7000 RPM. I really enjoyed that 90's coated dance music with that cool tone and pace of an Outrun composition.

'Dying Time' is here, as is the stark dystopian soundscape we are thrusted inside! High adrenaline sonics, reminiscent of an intense action scene from an 80's movie, provide the thrills to this track! In fact this would sit nicely as the soundtrack to Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome! After all, that's where the vocal samples have been borrowed from and would be my preferred track if I had to fight to the death with a sledgehammer or chainsaw! That sense of pent up aggression is captured very nicely by Bad Guys Get Dead.

I'm afraid I know next to nothing about Stranger Things, so it's tricky for me to comment on the appropriateness of the track: The Love Theme From Stranger Things Season 10'. However, what a can say is this track could easily be a soundtrack to a 80's movie, telling a story of friendships lost and found, true loves and passion. A very chilled Synthwave track and a great demonstration of the versatility of the artist. Skillfully done!

Slow riffs interact with the perfectly timed deep drum work. Spectral crackling sounds assist in creating an eerie horror mood This works very well indeed with the accompanying rock style drum patterns and evolving melody.

'Resonance of the Cyberblade' starts with a earsplitting electronic 'zing' as the Cyberblade is drawn, drums roll and synth guitar sounds strut forward propelling us into this no holds barred battle! This is an awesome dark Synthwave / Shredwave affair that gains an increasing darkness and ferocity as the track progresses.

Conclusion

Overall, 'Resistor' is cleverly composed, with a nice variety of Retrowave flavours and the occasional helping of a range of 90's toppings. There's lots of vocal samples and interesting sonics in this EP, where you'll experience an array of Synth genres. Starting heavy with deep grooves, flavours of Hip Hop (almost) and Nu Metal intertwined so well. Then, through to Chillwave and finally Shredwave.

Whether your after music as food for thought or seeking music to simply enjoy 'Resistor' has a lot to offer. The value of music is up for question. Is music valued in a monetary way or is music valued for the way it can make us move, feel and think? This EP keeps you guessing, each track brimming with surprises. Tom Hanks once said life is like a box of chocolates, which is also an apt way to describe 'Resistor'! You don't quite know what to expect, until you taste it. But, when you do boy it tastes great! So, tuck in! Get listening to this by any means necessary!

Torrent link: https://badguysgetdead.com/resistor
Bandcamp: https://badguysgetdead.bandcamp.com/album/resistor

BAD GUYS GET DEAD - Resistor

Dug Masters - Teleport

AGNIS - Antipriest