With
Assemblage 23's Tom Shear as producer, it makes sense that
Backandtotheleft are similar to Shear's brooding electro. But given that the members are practically veterans of the EBM scene, it's evident that the Seattle trio isn't jumping on a bandwagon or copping his style. In fact, their programming is skilled enough that they might be better off with some instrumental tracks, since Darren Miller's baritone vocals are sometimes redundant. When he sings, it's usually about some rather downcast stuff: facing the fear of oneself or failed relationships. Even "The Happy Song" is about an unhappy relationship, with Miller stating "you're poison to me" and "'cause if you don't stay away/I swear to God you'll rue the day you met me." The mix of dark trance and electro is enough to get wrapped up in, but the songwriting never quite translates the sorrow and intensity that the lyrics demand. ~ Kenyon Hopkin