antiMusic.com: no:carrier - Wisdom & Failure

no:carrier - Wisdom & Failure

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Electronic duo, no:carrier, is the musical combination of singer Cynthia
Wechselberger and keyboardist/producer Chris Wirsig. At times, this act sounds like early new wave electronic acts, such as Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and the like. In other moments, though, they sound closer to a folk pairing � one that just happens to apply electronic elements to its folk-ish songs.

Both "Autumn Morning (Just Being There)" and "The Nine Days Queen" sound a whole lot like modernized folk music. Vocalist Cynthia Wechselberger is primarily the one that gives no:carrier its distinctively exotic vibe. She proves she is also musically flexible, though. This trait particularly comes into focus during "Last Scene," which swings with a kind of jazzy feel. �Real' instrumentation also comes into play during "Let Me Walk Alone," which also includes organ.

While versatile, Wechselberger can also come off fairly icy whenever she sings. If you dug Nico's singing with The Velvet Underground, you'll get what I mean. Nico's was a style of singing that you probably either loved or hated. Similarly, you may not warm up immediately � or at all � to Wechselberger's unique vocal style.

Occasionally, Wirsig takes a vocal for no:carrier. He is especially spooky during "Losing Sight Of The Coast" when he announces: "Sometimes I feel like Satan."

There are some curious things going on with no:carrier, which makes Wisdom & Failure a clear winner.