This is going to be one of those “We were gonna start this review off like this, but…” then proceed to sort of mention our draft bits/different iterations in the opening and then eventually get to the point. Sort of. When diving into Corlyx’s upcoming double album, PURPLE PAIN, we were initially going to ponder how to breakdown such an abundance of songs as a reviewer which led us to the concept of a record release such as this and what it also means for a listener. And at the end of the day what we came up with is this: If the music resonates then who the fuck cares about all that conjecture?
When it comes to Corlyx music in general, and the 19 tracks collected across 2 records here (With a 12-track LP version also available), one thing that’s always prevalent is that the songs resonate. Especially considering the steady roll out of singles since 2023 which understandably gives PURPLE PAIN the feel of a Corlyx “Best Of” with those tracks densely woven into the intricate sonic tapestry created by Caitlin Stokes and Brandon Ashley (And bassist Davide Rocco). Regardless of the familiarity, though, each track on here pops despite being one’s first time hearing it or their 66th.
Like the respective openers of Disc 1 and Disc 2, “Wasted And Alone” and “The Letdown”, which were both previously released but here herald the beginnings of what’s to come and just hit a little harder with the former (And oldest track here having arrived in September of 2023) similar to seeing an old friend for the first time in forever as it sashays in with an Electro ecstasy while the latter is a bouncy, bombastic Corlyx banger and the kind of song that really covers the gamut of what you’ll find across the rest of the record as Ashley and Stokes synch up in the iconic chorus.
That’s another thing going for PURPLE PAIN: The variety of styles presented and Corlyx’s mastery over all of them. Like your Punk a little bit more of the Post- variety? “Ghost Of The West Coast” and “The Sacrifice” have that area covered! Need a little more International flair in your Industrial Goth? Try “Apocalipsis” and sample Stokes’ Spanish-tinged synth-driven soliloquies set to a sultry Samba. Crave “Old School” Corlyx? Well, we can’t think of a better spiritual successor to Together Apart‘s howling opener “White Wolf” than the irresistible “Witches Dance”.
Elsewhere, PURPLE PAIN boasts a few guest spots with the mighty Blutengel adding to the electric air of “Up On The Cross” as Chris Pohl, Ashley and Stokes’ vocals inexplicably intertwine while Suzi Sabotage’s presence is felt throughout the sexy synthetic atmosphere builder of “Kill Cave”. Still yearning for more Corlyx? PURPLE PAIN. Has. You. Covered! “Psycho Sensual” is a gnarly Post-New Wave ditty with roots in ’80’s SynthPop and these vibrant guitar lines by Ashley straight out of a Vampire flick from that era while “Darkness Is The Future” presents a mix of Priest and PIG with hints of David Bowie during the Outside/Earthling periods eras as Stokes begins under an effects-laden vocal blanket to make her voice sound especially mechanical and sinister.
“Zombie Kid” was a fun one on its’ own when released as the final single ahead of PURPLE PAIN back in November of 2024 and here it’s just as spectacular bringing some swift, spooky brevity to the bevy of songs on the album(s). “Creatures Howl” administers a sort of Western twang to Corlyx’s Electro savvy and both “Take The Money” and “Midnight City” offer varying Stokes styles behind the mic. As all good things must come to an end, so too shall PURPLE PAIN eventually finish. Disc 1 concludes with “Death is the Beginning” which is the perfect finale or precursor to the second act with swirling soundscapes and an ethereal atmosphere while Disc 2 closes with the haunting Electro vibes of “The Underground”.
PURPLE PAIN releases through Out Of Line with pre-order options, including the restructured vinyl version, available here. For more from Corlyx, head on over here, here, here, or here for their socials and more.