If there was a sonic space found between industrial music and the pop realm, between the dancefloor move and the gothic groove, between post-punk and synthwave, that is where you find Kat Von D. And that space, however small, however hard to find, definitely exists, because songs like “I Am A Machine” exists and it can only be the product of such a musical melting pot. A place perhaps called “Disco Gothic.” And why not?
Taken from her latest album, My Side of the Mountain, “I Am A Machine” is a perfect introduction to her sonic world, which takes in infectious groove and raw grit, dance moves and rock energy, heady beats, and gothic vibes.
Here, Kat Von D is aided and abetted by Alissa White-Gluz, who is usually found fronting Arch Enemy and who adds all manner of abrasive vocal textures and beguiling stygian tones to these proceedings.
The result is a sonic Chimera, a track that seems made up of many parts that don’t naturally belong together, but when woven this brilliantly together, results in something spectacularly original. And like the mythical Chimera, you recognize all of the various elements on display, yet can’t help but marvel at how original, not to mention beguilingly brilliant, the result is.
