Genre: Gothic Rock / EBM

The Fair Sex originated in the mid 80s in Germany, and has over the years grown out to be a cult classic. They got releases on a few labels, such as Last Chance Records (1987-1990), Our Choice (1991-1995), Van Richter (1994-2005) and Endless Records (2002-2004). With "The Dark Ages", one can delve into the earlier music of this band, with tracks taken from "The House Of Unkinds" (1988), "Demented Forms" (1989), "Oddities"(1990) and "Bite Release Bite" (1991). All the tracks are around two decades old, but should still find lots of ears being pleased by listening to them. But wait, there are two new tracks as well, not printed in the tracklist.

You see, EBM is quite an old genre, which was, as with many things, better in the old days. Present day EBM, or it's offsprings (synthpop, aggrotech, etc), are mostly uninspired, simple and repetitive songs for the black mass. Too many are focusing on getting a hit song for the clubs, instead of music that has something to say, music that has depth. This is, sadly, the demise for this genre, but back in the 80's and 90's, it was better.

One can discuss whether The Fair Sex really belongs in the EBM category. The Fair Sex uses typical rock instruments (two guitars, bass, drums), so based on the instruments, this is rock. Not as dark and gloomy as the exceptional Sisters Of Mercy, but definitely based in the dark/goth rock section.

The tracks on the albums vary a lot, which is very pleasing. One track is fast paced and very dancable, while another one other starts with guitar improvisation and changes into a haunting gothic rock song. The key to enjoyment in music is diversity, and The Fair Sex really knows how to realize that. Merging rock with a some electronics causes a lot of possibilities, and the 25 tracks are a perfect introduction for anyone who missed out on this band.

All tracks were selected for this compilation by Myk Jung, the band's vocalist, himself, so you know that this release really represents the band. The release comes with two nicely colored CD's; one in blue and one in red, while the frontcover is purple. The CD's have the very same picture on it, which is a magnified part of the frontcover. Blue plus red makes purple. It all figures. In the booklet is the equipment used as well, and the weirdest equipment used on this album is.... a microwave.