When Switchblade Symphony officially arrived on the scene with their first release, Serpentine Gallery, in 1995 there was much excitement to the level and depth of where the band would reach in terms of global popularity. Not since the arrival of Sisters of Mercy has one band managed to galvanize the attention of goth and non-goth fans. Understandably, the band was becoming increasingly popular via word of mouth and DJ rotation across the globe. In order to help pay the bills, it was essential for them to harness a fluid "genre" category in order to have a cross section appeal to cater to the mainstream consumer as well. Most seem to think that popular bands in the underground are rolling in the money, and this just isn't the case, regardless of how popular they appear or how well their sales are.
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When all is said and done, many notable names have been influenced or greatly touched by the outpouring from Switchblade Symphony in the short time they were on the horizon. Some of the tracks within this compilation would make a great addition to many dance floors. Other tracks work well for those times when you are home and lost in your own world for a bit. Since Tina Root and Susan Wallace pretty much initiated and integrally influenced the sound change parameters in the goth underground, one can only hope that at some future point they will grace us with another release. In light of the current trend and market, Switchblade Symphony were ahead of themselves, which usually is the case with any work of genius. One of the most hoped for projects that could possibly come from all of this is a full video release from Switchblade Symphony as a visual accompaniment to the wonderful songs we already have. Sadly, there are too few videos of this band, which ultimately robs future generations from being visually stunned by the dynamic presence of these 2 ladies who brought the world new hybrids of music that reached beyond the paradigm of simply "goth." - Mike Ventrola