COLLIDE THESE EYES BEFORE ALBUM NOISEPLUS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 11, 2009 REVIEW: JANUARY 19, 2010

Karin and Statik from Collide have decided to give us a cover album this time. Artists covered include Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Depeche Mode and The Beatles, which is quality source material indeed. It's gutsy to even attempt this, and points are awarded for that.

Covers are usually a risky proposition, because more often than not, they don't really add much. Luckily Collide have developed their own sexy, slow, groovy sound over the years, and manage to keep that throughout, keeping it interesting. Having said that, they always slow the songs down, which means that some songs lose their energy in the process.

The Radiohead song in question is "Creep", and as songs go, that's pretty much one of the best ever made. Collide manage to give it their own spin, but the original is undeniably better. That's not to say that Collide's version is bad, it's just impossible to improve on perfection. And again, this is of course the problem you have to deal with when making a cover album.

If you like Collide's sound, you will enjoy "These Eyes Before", don't expect anything earth shattering though. It's got fantastic production, sultry vocals and - of course - great song material, but the thing is, the originals are always better.

JOHAN CARLSSON