Already with their first single "10,000 Watts Of Artificial Pleasures" (2003), which instantly sold out online, the Italian "Dope Stars Incorporated" achieved smashing success, followed by a contract with Trisol and the release of their debut "Neuromance" (2005), based on the works of cyberpunk "godfather" William Gibson. The album was produced by the well-known John Fryer (Nine Inch Nails, White Zombie, H.I.M., Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, Paradise Lost). Mixing was handled, as often on other Trisol releases, by Thomas Rainer (L'ame Immortelle). But instead of resting on their laurels, the Dope Stars Factory recorded a new album "Gigahearts" just a year later, with band leader Victor Love — the author of all music and lyrics — now listed as producer.
Behind the musicians' fashionably provocative appearance lies a remarkably strong songwriting talent from the frontman. Practically every track is a hit with original, memorable choruses; only the somewhat filler tracks "Play N Kill," "Bang Your Head," and "Citizen XT99" fall outside the general pattern. To grasp the full stylistic palette of the Italians, you need to listen to at least the first three songs. "Multiplatform Paradise" features driving industrial riffs, a raspy vocal, an excellent chorus with a slight whiff of American alternative rock, and great solos. The very next track, "Beatcrusher," opens with hard electronic beats, and a minute later sampled vocals kick in — genuine EBM. The mid-tempo, melodic "Braindamage" is performed entirely with excellent clean vocals. Throughout the album, the recipes used for these three compositions are maintained consistently; the only difference lies in the proportional balance of ingredients. Lyrically, the musicians naturally revolve around themes of cybernetics and the electrification of our planet's near future.
Incidentally, I've never once read in any review about the similarity between the Italians' music and their colleagues — the Finnish band Waltari. Yet the parallels are obvious: similar vocals (though growling hasn't been spotted from DOPE STARS INC), stylistic experimentation, catchiness, and memorability. So let's wish the band continued career success and look forward to the next Gigafoots and Terraheads from these talented Italians.