Artist: Mitch Branson
Album: Darkness of Pleasure
Genre: Techno, Industrial, Dance
Rating: 9 out of 10 / A

Imagine what would happen if My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and Enigma decided to launch a European tour of Phantom of the Opera starring Emma Shapplin and produced by Peter Rauhofer.  You might end up with Mitch Branson’s Darkness of Pleasure, an album equally at home in the club or in the bedroom.

In 13 tracks, Branson examines the nebulous realm of human sexual need, from submission to revenge and lust to transcendence.  Amid the electronic beats and solid synth work he layers classical strings, horns, and operatic vocals to create a moody, impressionistic soundtrack.  It walks on a thin line between wicked and playful (most clearly in “Electric Orgasm”), with an occasional stop to look inward (the excellent “Asphalt Forest”). 

In either burning house (“What Can You Do”) or complex industrial tracks (single “Control Me”), Branson has a sure mastery over his productions, with great stereo field work and remarkably solid sound beds.  It gives the whole album a very orchestral feel, with every instrument or vocal finding its exact right place in the arrangement.  As I’m a musician who primarily works with loops and arrangements, I find this particularly impressive.  The only minor flaw on the album is the inclusion of the final track, “India’s Dirty Secret.”  It’s an excellent track, but it’s much earthier than the rest of the album and feels a bit out of place with the narrative thread preceding it.

Although known for his modeling work with Colt Studios, Branson is also a talented producer and arranger.  In more ways than one, his album is reminiscent of Traci Lords’ excellent 1000 Fires from 1995.  Darkness of Pleasure, like that album, is a rare underground electronic music work that is remarkably solid and consistent throughout, with a distinct signature and direction.  Highly recommended.

Available through CD Baby or iTunes