Music, Film & Media: I am X / IAMX

I first discovered IAMX through Pandora. IAMX is the solo work of Chris Corner, co-founder and vocalist for the Sneaker Pimps. The Sneaker Pimps are better known for their first album, "Becoming X", for which Corner didn't provide vocals but brought us tracks such as "6 Underground" and "Spin Spin Sugar", which when remixed where big hits on the dance scene. The 1999 Sneaker Pimps album "Splinter" really caught my attention, with Corner providing vocals, producing a really chilled out album, while paradoxically uplifting.

IAMX is something entirely different to Sneaker Pimps, with the only link being Chris Corner behind the microphone. To quote the IAMX Wiki entry:

Wikipedia

Corner has repeatedly said that IAMX is very different to his actual, real-life personality and is a kind of quasi "act". Whether an act or not, IAMX's music is primarily concerned with subjects such as outlandish sex, death, narcotic intoxication, bisexuality, obsession, alienation and vague allusions to politics.

Frankly odd topics, and not something I'd choose as a lyrical influence, but that makes every song very unique. Chris appears to use a wide range of vocals dynamics, from the so laid back to extent of almost talking, to brash, yet clean, powerful vocals that just appear to explode out of him and grab you by surprise. He has a real energy that comes across in his singing and composition. The vocals occasionally remind of Matt Bellamy of Muse.

Synthetic drums and sounds are used, coupled with natural piano, masked guitar and a variety of electronic samples that make it difficult to fit IAMX into one genre. In many respects, both vocally and in composition, I'm reminded of VAST. I don't think I've mentioned VAST before, but their recent album “April” has been on my MP3 player ever since it was released and I don't see it moving anytime soon. At only $5 to purchase for their website, it's worth taking a risk on.

The first IAMX album I purchased was "The Alternative", which I bought off the back of a remake of a Sneaker Pimps B-Side "After Every Party I Die". This is my favourite of the two albums I purchased, as it feels more diverse in style. “This will make you love again” is a powerful ballad that it's hard not to be moved by, and "Spit it out" is often stuck in my head. Every song is packed with so much energy that it's great for listening to when I'm getting warmed up for a good bike ride.

I must admit that I'm pretty poor at hearing lyrics – in many respects singers may as well be singing “La”. I'd certainly prefer that over Avril Lavigne's idea of well written lyrics (despite being a closet fan of her catchy music). The point I'm trying to make, is although the topics chosen to sing about are strange, in this album I didn't feel offended by what I heard, and the profanity is at a minimum.

The second album I purchased was “Kiss + Swallow”, which I think as the title suggests is the more raucous of the two. The title track, Kiss + Swallow is very catchy, as was “White Suburb Impressionism” and “Missile”. The rest of the tracks took a lot longer to grow on me, but one by one each of them has, although less so for “Stick it in me”.

My biggest suggestion would be to go to the IAMX website, where after clicking through a confusing flash introduction, you can listen to 30 second clips of each song on Kiss + Swallow. Alternatively you can try Last.Fm, or searching on YouTube.

On a whim, I purchased an IAMX t-shirt along with my albums, as I thought it was pretty unique. I don't regret the decision, although I do wonder if I look like I'm wearing a Miss America sash.

The name “I am X” is possibly a little arrogant, as a spin on the Sneaker Pimps first album “Becoming X”, but I feel well deserved as the quality of music is both interesting and complex enough not to be stuck in the generic pop/dance/synth section. If your music collection is feeling stale, this is certainly something different and worthy of listening to, although I imagine (hopefully) you won't be able to relate to much of it.

I don't aim to be definitive, merely to fuel the fire

I love it

Hey!

And why would a website lie to a person?

Posted By: Spode

Hey!

Only pulling your leg.
I have facebook too, feel free to add me if you can find me.....hint...I'm at Sussex Uni and you know my first name!