In Strict Confidence - La Parade Monstrueuse

Before  I get started, let me be clear. I’m not an expert on In Strict Confidence, but I am a fan. Musically and artistically In Strict Confidence have been distinctive to me since I discovered them on their 2006 release and have been across their 5 previous albums. Album number , La Parade Monstrueuse is no exception with a steampunk inspired airship circus theme running through the album artwork and appearing in the intro track as madame and monsieur’s attention is drawn to In Strict Confidence by the call of the ring mistress.  Not that its necessary as this is a compelling release with My Despair being a firm favorite with the melancholy of Ewige Nacht and its reminiscence to early Smashing Pumpkins tracks only bolstering its appeal in my eyes.

My Despair is nowhere near as droll as the title suggests. Starting out on gentle guitars and a subtle indie vibe, Despair builds to a Depeche Mode like emotive epic sailing along on an electro rock tide that blends well with In Strict Confidence‘s darkwave EBM roots. Overall La Parade Monstrueuse is a great step forward from exile paradise. The guitar rock elements stop the  sound of In Strict Confidence from getting stagnant but never quite causes it to veer off into full on industrial territory.