Gothtronic.
Even though the Netherlands is just a small country we can be very proud of the quality and amount of gothic rock / metal bands with female vocals coming from our little part of the globe. One of these great bands is Asrai, who proved with their 2004 album ‘Touch in the Dark’ that they can produce some high quality music. After the bankruptcy of their label Transmission Records they soon found a new home, and now French label Season of Mist is releasing Asrai’s new album ‘Pearls in Dirt’.
Musically the band’s been faithful to its roots: it just seems like the music has even more drive then it had on the predecessor. All tracks sound a bit more solid and compact, the guitar riffs are heavier and Margriets voice fits the music even better. The opening song ‘Delilah’s Lie’ and the rather dark ‘Stay With Me’ are a perfect example of the new Asrai. ‘Go’ and new single ‘Sour Ground’ have a slight eighties touch, and will have a great effect during live gigs. Yet it’s the darker side of the album on which we get to hear Asrai’s best side: ‘Lost’, ‘Awaken’ and ‘Chain Me’ are awesome.
It might have been a long wait for Asrai fans – but trust me, ‘Pearls in Dirt’ is really worth the waiting! Those of you who expected some heavy musical changes might feel a bit deceitful, which is absolutely nonsense because this is the perfect follow-up for ‘Touch in the Dark’!
Grade: 8.8
Review by: Seraphictine
Heavy Metal.(about.com)
The origins of Asrai date back to the mid '80s. They finally released their debut in 1997, and it took until 2004 for their second release. The Dutch gothic metal band is back with only their third album.
Pearls In Dirt is melodic and atmsopheric. The songs have layers of keyboards that create the gothic feel. Some tracks are slow and somber, others faster and more guitar driven. There are hooks aplenty and several memorable songs.
Margriet is Asrai's vocalist, and she sings with a clear alto that has a great tone and a lot of emotion. She has a pop sensibility and style that makes the songs warmer and more inviting. There are so many female fronted gothic metal bands now that it's hard to keep track of them, but if you're a fan of groups like Lacuna Coil and Evanescence, Asrai may be right up your alley.
From Chad Bowar,
Imhotep
ASRAI - Pearls In Dirt
Published: 2007.11.02
Season Of Mist (2007)
Although "Pearls In Dirt" may be their third official studio album, Dutch gothic metallers Asrai have been together since the mid 80's, originally as an all female ensemble. Their current lineup still features original singer Margriet and drummer Karin (who started on guitar in the early days before moving to drums in 1988) while bassist Martin, guitarist Rik and keyboard player Manon round out the quintet. What helps this group stand apart from the crowd is their infusion of punk and new wave undercurrent to their addictive, swirling gothic metal stance. The mechanical keyboard tones take cues from forerunners such as The Smiths, Depeche Mode or New Order while the rhythm section hammers home the heaviness with a melancholic doom gloom. The ace in the hole so to speak is Margriet's emotional, wide ranging but powerful voice. She may not have the super high power of Simone Simons or the grace of Christina Scabbia yet there is enough versatility, depth and despair in her heart
felt lyrics and delivery to win over anyone instantly.
Favorites? Look into the dual call and response vocals with the peppy "Go", the first single "Sour Ground" with its soaring keyboard riff and easy to get into made for radio melodies plus the closing dark ballad "Chain Me" that seems well set for a motion picture soundtrack regarding desert sands in some deep foreign lands. Some may have a problem with the fact that this 10 song effort clocks in at a quick 43 minutes and change, but these days aren't you tired of acts that pile on everything they can but don't know when to separate quality from quantity? Purple bats, black tears and a heavily tattooed woman adorning roses convey the right imaginative art vision to match the excellent music within "Pearls In Dirt".
Seemingly banished for decades due to the 'male metal' code of ethics, female artists are proving that their time has come to dominate the scene, and it's easy to hear why with bands like Asrai leading the charge. Let's hope we can get a fourth studio album in quicker time than 3 years- but if not I'm positive "Pearls In Dirt" will still sound as spellbinding and magnetic a thousand playbacks down the pike.
Composed by Matt Coe
Lord of Metal
Vera: The Rotterdam based formation Asrai captures a very special place between all the other Dutch gothic bands. Their roots lie in the new wave and punk scene of the eighties – they do exist since 1988 – and these influences are still present on their third album. 'Pearls In Dirt' will hit the shops on November, 12th and includes ten new compositions with lots of mutual variegation. Asrai has not only an excellent singer (Margriet), but her twin sister Karin plays drums and with Manon (keyboards, violin) the band has three women in their ranks.
Every song has its own specific charms. 'Delilah's Lie' is very dark and leans on low-tuned, punching guitars and vocals of Margriet, often singing in lower ranges too. 'Your Hands Go Cold' has the nearest approach to usual gothic rock, due to its dramatic tinge. Every song has firm guitars, but orchestration is put more in the front during the ballad-like 'Stay With Me'. Surprising inciting is 'Go', a party song that will do it well in a live situation. Same goes for the wild 'Awaken' in which the punk roots of the band rule. But there are moments of melancholy and desire as well. Like in the sensitive 'Something I Said' where spatial guitar sounds gave me goose-bumps. The single 'Sour Ground' will be released on the fifth of November and has a true eighties new wave sound (U2) by guitars and keyboards, an atmosphere that reigns all album long. Another highlight is the lingering 'Chain Me' with a distorted spoken fragment (male). Here melancholy and desire are featured again.
'Pearls In Dirt' was recorded at the Excess Studio by Hans Pieters, just like its predecessor 'Touch In The Dark (2004), but additional recordings were done at the Gate Studio with Sascha Paeth who did the final production. In addition 'Pearls In Dirt' is the first album on Season Of Mist. Asrai is full of energy and the release will be followed by a European tour. This album includes enough surprises and diversity to expand Asrai's success once more. Thumbs up for this sympathetic band!
Rating 85/100
Metal-invader
ASRAI are another band from the Netherlands and they have borrowed their name from the Wood Elves of Warhammer. The band was formed in 1985 while a few of its members have a history of participating to new wave, punk and gothic bands, something that shows in the music they are creating today. The founding members are twin sisters Margriet (vocals) and Karin (drums) that made quite an effort to establish the band, self producing and releasing several demo tapes till they finally managed to sign with Poison Ivy, thus making their first firm step into the music industry. Since then they have released two cds winning an Essent Award as “best new band” and giving a few concerts all over the world.
“Pearls in Dirt”, the third album of ASRAI in now a mature album soaked with the past’s experience as well as the varied musical history of the band, showing influences of new wave and punk music. Only this time ASRAI are combining these influences with a heavier sound exploring unbeaten tracks. The ten songs of the album can be identified as gothic rock while the band is sometimes flirting with a heavier sound – still we detect only a hint of metal music. In this context, there is diversity among the songs. There are sensitive, softer, ballad like moments with songs like “Stay with me” and “Something I said”. There are upbeat songs like “Delilah’s lie”, “Go” and “Your hands go cold” retaining their original gothic touch. A touch of PLASMATICS and Wendy O. Williams with a punk track named “Awaken”. “Sour Sound”, which is also the single of the album that has already been released, is an eighties new wave song while “Roses” approaches a more pop sound with typical keyboards. The album closes with “Chain me” sealing this musical journey and confirming the dark and melancholic character of ASRAI. “Pearls in Dirt” will definitely going to be a hit among new wave/gothic music lovers as ASRAI surely are making a name for themselves!
Reviewer: Konstantina Peyou
Added: November 17th 2007
Metal Observer
Finally, a Goth band that is a) not from Finland, and b) makes a conscious effort to stand out from the pack. ASRAI hails from the Netherlands, and they're not exactly strangers to the music scene; they've been around since 1985. Boy, 1985, that's a long time ago...just about when Punk and New Wave finished up, wasn't it? It sure was, and as a result, ASRAI is composed entirely of former punks and New Wavers. It's these influences and commercial sensibilities that make ASRAI more than just your average Goth Metal band.
Okay, let's just get this out of the way right now: the band has a female singer. I know, I know, Goth band with a female singer, how cliche, but really, you should hear the woman known only as "Margriet" sing. She's got a hugely diverse voice, capable of packing a haughty punch on heavy songs like "Awaken" whilst also being able to sweetly serenade the listener on songs like the Pop-infused "Something I Said". Her range is fantastic, and when she hits those high notes on "Something I Said", it truly makes your skin crawl (in a good way).
The pop sensibilities are possibly ASRAI's greatest strength. I can't begin to count the number of times I've tried to get into a Goth band, only to get turned off because the music is depressing...and not much else. For better or for worse, Goth Rock/Metal is a genre structured so that the slowness and eeriness is allowed to take centre stage most of the time, but if there's no underlying melody to tie everything together, the whole thing falls apart. ASRAI are well aware of this fact, and for every raw, Punk-influenced shouter like "Awaken", there's a smooth, radio-friendly rocker like "Go", "Lost", or the (dare I say) upbeat lead single "Sour Ground". And no matter which style it is, the band always manages to make it rock.
There are even little hints of New Wave here and there in the music. Keyboardist Manon uses a wide range of effects on the album, from the moody intro of "Delilah's Lie" to the stirring three-note intro to "Sour Ground". There are even some Electronica-style distorted voices in the beginning of "Your Hands So Cold". Manon is also a skilled violinist, as proven by the intro to "Roses".
Overall, "Pearls In Dirt" is truly a pearl among the dirt of today's Goth scene. Any fan of Goth Rock/Metal who doesn't mind a bit of variety in the way it's presented should check out ASRAI. These guys cover the entire Goth spectrum on "Pearls In Dirt": there's some raw Punk stuff, some straight-up Goth stuff, and some catchy Pop stuff, sometimes all in the same song. And what do you know? It works.
PS. If you want to see a really cool album cover, try looking for the "Sour Ground" single. Every time I see that cover, I wish they had used it for "Pearls In Dirt" instead. Pretty cool.
(Online January 8, 2008)
Metal rage
Review By : BoEk
Added : 13/11/'07
Label : Season of Mist
Genre : Wave Goth Rock
Tracks : 2
Playtime : 7.20
Release : 05-11-2007
As of yesterday (November 12th) people are able to buy the new full-length album of Goth rock/metal band Asrai. And with a new album comes a new single, right? So here it is! Let's find out if the album will be worth some spins.
What I find rather interesting is that this band already started out in 1985. So with their roots in both the punk and the wave scene this must be quite a unique thing I figured. With this in mind I prepared myself for my very first encounter with Asrai.
Well, well.what to think of this? I guess I just didn't really expect this. Besides the fact this music is not at all symphonic - as I somehow expected - it also lacks the real power I seek in a band. I don't mean it's all that bad, it's just so damn radio-friendly. A bit more power wouldn't have hurt anyone. Not even the radio airtime for that matter.
Okay, I admit that there's definitely something in this music. For example, the very beginning of the dramatic song 'Your Hands So Cold', which at least contains some metallic influences, but the overall result just lacks a bit of power. It's all nice melodic work with the obvious wave influences still present, but for me this just isn't enough. I kinda feel like I miss certain things.
Fans of the band will probably easily be pleased with the new Asrai single and album, I think I'll leave it a this reviewing process. This wave goth rock contains some strong melodies but misses the power to convince. It's up to you whether or not to check out the recently released full-length Pearls In Dirt.
Line Up:
Margriet - Vocals
Martin - Bass
Manon - Synth, Violin
Rik - Guitar
Karin - Drums
Track Listing:
1. Sour Ground
2. Your Hands So Cold
Metal-temple
Another gothic/rock CD, this time from The Netherlands, fell in my hands. "Pearls In Dirt" is ASRAI’s third album, which includes ten new compositions. So let’s see what’s up with their new release.
Not many things to say about ASRAI. The band is active from 1985, but in 1988 changed the name to ASRAI. The roots of the band lie in the new wave and punk scene of the 80s; hence their music already had a melancholic dark side. From 1989 to 1995, ASRAI released four demo tapes. Their first album "As Voices Speak" was out in 1997. "Touch In The Dark" is the second full-length album, released in 2004. They made a video clip for the single of the album, "Pale Light". That release took the attention of Season Of Mist and singed a contract in 2006. One year later, "Pearls In Dirt" hits the stores.
To tell you the truth, there are more than enough goth/dark/whatever metal bands out there. The thing is that most of them are average. ASRAI is one of those cases that I don’t know if they are above average or not. First time I listened to "Pearls In Dirt" I was sure that it was an average album. Typical goth rock music, with some punk(?) elements in one or two songs, with female vocals. OK, it’s not crap but, on the other hand, is not an album that makes the difference. So I think it is just above average. It has two three nice songs, like "Lost", Awaken" (here I think is the only song you can listen to the punk past of the bands members) and " Delilah’s Lie" but most of the others are just above the mediocre.
Boys and girls that likes painless goth rock music will love it. For all the others "Pearls In Dirt" is an album not really bad, but an average one. It has some nice moments and it’s worth to listen to it, but I think there is better music out there. And something I forgot to say previously: Karin is doing a good job behind the drum kit (strangely).
Reviewed by Harry on 2007/11/20 (3/5)
.MTUK METAL 'ZINE
It is pretty unbelievable to note that the genesis of Dutch band Asrai was formed way back in 1985. Mind you it took until 1997 before they released their debut album and that must be some sort of record (well it was a CD but you get my drift). Thankfully we haven’t had to wait so long for follows up’s, which saw me first encountering the band on 2004 Transmission release ‘Touch In The Dark.’ This was an album I absolutely loved and catching the group supporting Arcturus in 2005 only enforced their position in my heart.
‘Pearls In Dirt’ was obviously an album I had been looking forward to and I am not disappointed in the slightest. The spooky graveyard cartoon art (of which I am sure with the promo sees me missing out on the full effect) perfectly illustrates the music within; dark, crafty and with an unmistakeable splash of fun about it. The 10 tracks here are all stormers and singer Margriet has one of those voices you cannot help but fall in love with, packing emotion into her soaring range in a way that makes even an innocent ballad forceful in the extreme.
Bouncy and perky we bound into ‘Delilah’s Lie,’ vocals are at first low and sultry before like a rose they blossom into life with thorns to prick the unwary, whilst the music sinuously twists around them. The melody here is nothing short of infectious and this is an album that sees me like a kid in a candy store, unable to stop gorging on. ‘Your Hands So Cold’ could well be revenge for that ‘Touch In The Dark.’ The chorus and bristling synthesizer backbone here work well together giving this the sort of dance-floor stomp that should have to most miserable of Goths coming out their dark corner to enjoy.
‘Stay With Me’ is that ballad I mentioned, in a word beautiful and there isn’t a touch of cheese about this in the slightest. The dreamy wash of the song flows in a way that is perhaps slightly reminiscent of fellow country-folk The Gathering, perfection. At complete odds ‘Go’ does just that and bounces in like Shampoo and We’ve Got A Fuzzbox And We’re Gonna Use It’ (anyone remember them). The candy has been stuffed and this is pure sugar drenched bubblegum waiting to be blown and popped.
The joy de vivre of the chorus of ‘Something I Said’ is overpowering. It could be a single apart from the slow ‘lighters out’ pace of the instrumentation. It must have been difficult picking a single here as each and every number here is a contender. ‘Sour Ground’ was picked and is another quirky perky number with a melody sweeter than Willie Wonka’s factory. Seriously I don’t understand how this lot are not a household name with anthems like this.
In a year infatuated by female fronted metal bands of all types and descriptions ‘Pearls In Dirt’ stands out as being one that tries not to be too clever, make a huge fuss about having a classically trained singer or set about trying to present the next poster girl. This simply concentrates on the music and is an excellent exercise in making it enjoyable, memorable and pretty much perfect.
Pete Wood
ASRAI..'PEARLS IN DIRT'
(Seasons of Mist)
Asrai are Dutch. As I have said before, Holland seems to be the Mecca of gothic rock and metal music. This effort by Asrai is stunning. And the image this band portray as a unit is equally as stunning. 'Pearls in Dirt' is Asrai's third cd (they appeared on the scene in 1985) - kicking off with 'Delilah's Lie', this album carries on the way it starts, with some kick ass gothic metal tunes. There are faves here on this album, quite a few actually, but I do particularly like the rocky 'Go' and the equally awesome single 'Sour Ground'. As stated on the cd cover, this will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Within Temptation and Siouxsie and the Banshees. About right in my book too. Excellent stuff indeed!!
8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)
Reviewed 1st December 2007
Rock ezine
Asrai, a Dutch heavy metal slash gothic rock band, tempts the masses with a radio-edit of their ‘Sour Ground’ and tries to lure them into buying their new full-length, Pearls In Dirt. And if you like 80s female fronted pop you might just find yourself caught. The most conspicuous element on this piece is the vocal part that stems directly from the period that the new wave movement, propelled forward by Depeche Mode amongst others, arrived as far as influencing Kim Wilde. Imagine something like ‘Cambodia’, take out the electro-pop elements, add a little speed, rock guitars, a more modern, though not too modern, sounding synth and you’ve got an impression of ‘Sour Ground’.Though this might sound interesting for some of you, I’ll have to warn that on the level of technique and structure, this is quite run-of-the-mill gothic rock that shows very predictable arrangements and will become tedious soon enough. But let’s not judge everything based on one song, moreover an edited version, so check out the coming disc if you find yourself enticed. It will be however without my intervention this time because I’ve already had more than enough.
(Jitte)
Rock Heavy Loud
Asrai - Pearls In Dirt
The fact I have a soft spot for the records where Sascha Paeth gets involved meant that in 2005 I discovered this Dutch band who in 2004 released their second album, “Touch In The Dark”. It should be no surprise that the album was of a very high standard, for the girls had been together since 1985, having assumed the moniker Asrai in 1988, and with a first album released in 1997, three years to get a new album from them should also come as no surprise.
Maybe because their roots lay in the 80’s, Asrai are on a different level to the hordes of bands that nowadays are called Goth, a tag that has become quite easy to obtain. On the contrary, this particularly mature band gets its influences from back in time, mixing Goth Pop and 80’s New Wave with some Punk, where they sometimes remind you of the Plasmatics, offering us a very seminal Gothic sound with heavy riffs, catchy synths and almost danceable drumming.
The band is truly competent, Margriet an excellent singer and their formula is enough for you to get a lot of sonic variety. Those moments that are darker with the background keyboards and brooding riffs are those that attract me the most, like with “Delilah’s Lie” or the electronically intense “Your Hands So Cold”, simply put, top notch Goth Rock. “Roses” or “Sour Ground” are songs that sound quite more poppy , the later a real trip in time back to the 80’s, an excellent song to stick to your brain right away and a single that has what it takes to hit the tops, without sound awfully out of place as is the norm nowadays. Indeed, this is one of the few moments when it’s actually the single that I like the most in a metal album, because of the brilliant synth melodies, and all the ambition and commitment its somewhat “retro” atmosphere transpires. The band’s punkier side is clear with “Go” and “Awaken” where we get that certain scent of Plasmatics that sounds so good after all these years.
Asrai has clearly evolved, and with spunkier guitars and a much more assertive sound than their previous efforts, “Pearls In Dirt” is an album blessed with solidity and a handful of excellent songs that with all justice will make Asrai a name to be reckoned with by all fans of Goth Rock/Metal with New Wave roots. Finally, it may be tough to point out what’s the highlight in the band’s lineup, Margriet excluded, but I owe a bow to Manon’s brilliant synth work.
A marvelous, wonderful, Goth album oozing honesty and talent to get your priorities for this final part of 2007 all messed up and for what I care, Margriet, Rik, Manon, Martin and Karin deserve all the success that they will certainly get from henceforth. It’s great to have them back and at such a high level, even for those who knew their music from the previous albums…
Review By Marco Trigo
Rate : 8,5/10
Streetswebzine
Asrai is based in the Netherlands and their style can be described as melodic gothic metal. The record label mentions this band alongside with such bands as After Forever, Within Temptation, Epica and The Gathering, but of these bands The Gathering is the only one that I feel Asrai has something in common with. Even though the baseline of the music is gothic rock/metal it shines through quite clear that most of the musicians have their background from different punk and new wave bands. There is some real good material on 'Touch of the dark'. The best parts are excellent while quite a few tracks are very average and boring. Not a bad album, but a bit uneven to keep my interest level up. Maybe next time?
Anmeldt den: 13.05.04
Vampire-magazine
It’s been three years since this Dutch quintet (based in Rotterdam) have released their last studio album. If you are wondering whether this terribly long wait is worth it, I have but one word to say about that: YES!
“Pearls in Dirt” (Asrai’s 3rd studio release) is a beautifully written album which shows how Asrai has bloomed and blossomed from their debut album “As voices speak,” through the magnificent second studio album entitled “Touch in the Dark.” This new album is more intense, more passionate and more diverse than their previous work, yet it retains that Asrai element: a highly 80’s influenced new wave-meets-old punk rock vibe.
Take the opening track “Delilah’s Lie:” a powerful and dark number, with heavy guitar works accompanied by a very low-toned singing from Margriet. In my opinion, a good opening song for this album since it shows how Asrai has matured. The next song “Your hands Go Cold” is, like the previously mentioned track, eerie and dark; an aggressive gothic metal track that would fit perfectly on any psychological thriller soundtrack. Keeping with this ghastly and heavy atmosphere is, in my opinion, the most aggressive track on the album: “Awaken.” Heavy riffs, pounding drum beats and disturbing keyboard parts are all accompanying the angry and fast-paced singing; which, once reaching the chorus mellows down a little to a rather haunting dirge. Asrai’s very own angry and war-like song is what I would call it (if you missed that from my description, the war sirens during the first 15 seconds of the song will make that clearer).
Aside from these heavier tracks, there are tracks where that 80’s new wave and punk rock influences are more present. For example the song “Go” shows the “fun” side of Asrai. With the new wave synth effects (performed brilliantly by another female member of the band, Manon) along with the danceable rhythm (drummed by none other than Karin, Margriet’s twin sister) it is a great party song which is sure to have you singing along. Alongside this track is another catchy tune (and one of yours truly personal favorite) entitled “Sour Ground.” This is where those new wave elements I’ve spoken about earlier truly shine. The song is very poppy and, contrast to most of the songs on the album, very lively. The bass (done by Martin) along with the keyboard parts give this song a rather synthpop feeling. Of course, seeing that Asrai’s roots lie in the 80’s and that several members have played in different new wave and punk rock bands, it becomes apparent from where these elements are derived from.
Like “Touch in the Dark” (Asrai’s 2nd studion album), this album also features a more passionate and melancholic side. The track “Something I said” starts off with a clean guitar part (beautifully played by Rik) that, for a moment, reminded me of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang bang (my baby shot me down).” It then goes into a passionate chorus (again those 80’s semi-poppy elements are present) where Margriet’s high-toned vocals are extremely uplifting; she truly shines on this track. Finishing off my review with the most melancholic and breath-taking track off the album: “Stay with me.” This track is rather slow-paced and mellow; a very simple composed song. It’s this simplicity along with the melancholic orchestral part and the gloomy lyrics that will envelope you and have you cornered in its peaceful and grey sorrow; a true highlight from this album.
Asrai’s Pearls in Dirt was recorded at Excess studio and additional recordings were done at the Gate Studio with Sascha Paeth (famous for his work with Kamelot, Epica and After Forever to name a few). Furthermore, it is the first album the band has released through Season of Mist (after signing to them late 2006).
If you are into gothic metal in the vein of The Birthday Massacre or (late) Apoptygma Berzerk, Be sure to check out this very diverse, energetic and amazing album: you will not be disappointed.
Written by Randall Ras on Friday 16 November, 2007.
SOUR GROUND
Before I begin this review, it is probably important to state this: I wrote an extensive review for “Pearls in Dirt” already, which is to be found on this site. So if anyone is interested, be sure to check it out. Nonetheless, here’s my review on this single.
Asrai is one of my favorite bands from Holland (in fact, they are one of my fave bands, period!). With “Pearls in Dirt,” they managed to make an extremely beautiful, emotional, powerful and overall catchy album. On the single “Sour Ground,” we get to hear two amazing new tracks (both appear on their new album). Actually with the exception of the shortened version of “Sour Ground” (the intro has been shortened, hence “Radio Edit"), they do not serve anything extra. The “Sour Ground (Radio Edit)” version which appears on this single can also be found as a bonus track on the limited edition of “Pearls in Dirt.”
“Sour Ground” is a true party song. With the new wave elements, synthpop keyboards, danceable drumbeats and wonderfully performed guitar and bass lines, the track sounds very poppy and 80’s new wave; personally, one of my favorite Asrai songs.
“Your Hands Go Cold” is quite the opposite. It is heavy, ghastly and quite dark (compared to the previous track). Plus, Margriet’s emotionally driven vocals bring so much depth and power to the song; it is an ultimate must-hear song! (Especially live where it is packed with even more power) Lyrics wise, it is centered on a vampiric theme.
One last thing I would like to point out is the cover art: it is absolutely beautiful (in a cartoonish way). Marcel de Jong went over the top with this one (note: he’s also the mastermind behind the Asrai-mobile, which can also be found in the background of the cover art). If you’re a die-hard fan (who collects anything related to the band), you might want to check this goodie out. If not, I suggest you get the wonderful new album “Pearls in Dirt” instead; it contains both tracks any way.
Written by Randall Ras on Sunday 23 December, 2007.
