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Dysfunctional Vision
Chaotic Critiques review by Tate Bengtson
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State of Being's CD, dysfunctional vision, had me hooked from the outset. This
four-piece band is an extremely competent industrial unit with some '80s
influence, but its sound is uniquely its own. The tight mechanical beats act as
the propulsion mechanism for the songs, transporting a nasty payload of creative
samples and concentrated programming that makes excellent use of stringed
instrument sounds. Based on this description, it could be safely assumed that
State of Being has a fairly traditional sound, but it doesn't really indicate just
how cool State of Being is. Its songwriting is catchy and melodic, recognizing
the value of a well-formed chorus hook and saturating its songs in human emotion
without absolving itself of that calculated, coolly detached feeling. On the
human side, the vocals tend to be sung in a melodic tone that is a little
higher-pitched than the norm, lending State of Being a distinctive
voice to articulate its lyrics, which are all too human in their grim
frustration and desperate attempt to escape the societal limitations into which
they were borne. On the non-human side, disturbing and often alienating samples
awaken a curiosity in the listener, a curiosity that is never satisfied due to the
band's smart decision to provide but a glimmer of an answer, a subtle intrigue
that the subconscious seeks to investigate further. The fastest tune on
dysfunctional vision is track three, "No One", which cranks out a rapid rhythm and
this huge distorted riff that reminds me of Chemlab. There are actually som
similarities between the two bands in terms of the structure of their respective
songs, although State of Being is less guitar-oriented and cultivates
new wave or EBM-styled melodies, whereas Chemlab is metal-edged. My favorite
tune is "Instability", as it possesses this anxious, almost classical dynamic
about it that is really clever and summarizes what I hear in State of Being.
Contact: P.O. Box 770413--Cleveland, OH 44107
[ Chaotic Critiques - issue 9 (april 1998) ]
Industrial Information Station review by Al Warr
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State Of Being - Dysfunctional Vision
"This is an absolutely cracking debut full length from this relatively unknown one man band. There are some exceptional tracks, such as "Instability" and "Defense Mechanism", which thankfully appear on the disc twice (remixed of course). The rest of the tracks are well above par and should be essential listening for all dedicated rivetheads out there. Well solid electronics, with hints of guitar here and there, combined with intelligent lyrics and vocals in the Chem-Lab region and an great ear for a tune, make SOB a band to seek out!"
[ IIS ]
Cleveland Live Review
by Nate Paige
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"Life itself is intensifying, if only you'd open your eyes..." - CD case
of Dysfunctional Vision
The debut CD of the visionary band State of Being takes the listener on an odyssey of electronic stimuli.
Although this is the group's first full-length CD (14 tracks), newcomers to the music industry they aren't. Formed in 1989 by self-taught musician Christopher Foldi , State of Being has three previously released EP's under their belt: Knotted in Chains (1990), Derivative (1992) and Function (1994).
Foldi describes the group's music as "futuristic sounds under an industrial influence." Heavily doused with sound bites from various forms of media -- television programs, movie dialogue, etc. -- Dysfunctional Vision arouses the senses with its sometimes simplistic, often otherworldly tones.
The CD's highlights include "Vision 01," an Art of Noise-ish ditty with haunting Reznor-like vocals; the infectious, mosh-friendly beat of "No One," produced and mixed by Chris Steagall; the surreal "Nightmare"; "Sector 01," the "build a better America" song which is probably what the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" would sound like in a parallel universe; and "Is It Wrong To Be Human," an ultra-industrial, Front 242-ish powerball.
The only downside to "Dysfunctional Vision" is that sometimes the synthesized vocals are difficult to make out through the intensity of the music. Fortunately, the lyrics are printed in the CD booklet.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but State of Being has taken from their early influences and created something truly artistic: a musical collage.
[ Cleveland Live - June '97 ] (musicreveiws@cleveland.com)
Unearthed
Picks review by Tish
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State Of Being
~Dysfunctional Vision~ (Reverse Image)
This project is the brainchild of Chris Foldi, of Cleveland, Ohio. Dysfunctional Vision is the first full-length release from State Of Being.
Chris puts a unique twist into his brand of industrial. His signature is the droning synthesizer that drives some tracks and haunts others.
At times, he uses his voice as a sinister whisper that cuts stealthily through pumping rhythms. In this case, the effect is stronger than those hearty barks we are all familiar with. And if you listen, he actually has something to say about life and all of its ironies, contradictions and misconceptions.
There is enough sonic diversity in Dysfunctional Vision to amaze the masses. Of all the people who have commented on this release, we all have a different favorite track. Which insures Dysfunctional Vision from collecting any dust.
Above and through it all, the Foldi signature rises from the synths and puts Dysfunctional Vision ahead of its time.
[ Valley Scene - Unearthed Picks | Appleton Imports | Cyberlogue ]
interface magazine review by anon_devi
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From Ohio's dirtiest city comes State of Being, a band with a fully
realized vision and a CD to back it up. Calling on their influences of
mid-80's hard electronic music ala Nitzer Ebb circa
Showtime and Front 242, State of Being bring dynamics to
electronic music with a sound relying on a mix of mid-tempo electro beats
and pseudo-pop structures. Almost like a more live sounding Crocodile
Shop without the punchy 909 kick, they use more traditional sounding
drums with the levels pumped for more effect. The drums are pushed way
up into the mix without creating obvious dance cuts and without being too
overpowering. With good overall production and solid song writting,
State of Being really do a great job of putting their ideas into music in
a finished way.
[ interface magazine - v.3.1 ] (2166 seven pines drive, st. louis, mo 63146 usa)
BuzzKill! review
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Bringing to mind a bowl of chili comprised of Nitzer Ebb, Acumen, and
Sister Machine Gun; State of Being can become the next "name" that one
hears concerning the electronic/industrial field.
One should pay the $11.50 just for "Vision 01." One hell of a song that
incorporates all the electronics that you need.
With duel vocals definitely the highlight of the album. Coming from
Cleveland this is such a nice break from all of the NIN and Prick wannabees out
there. Chris and the boys have got their proverbial shit together with this disc
and this should be among everyone's collection.
[ BuzzKill! - vol 1.0 ]
Chaos Control review
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A wide palette of influences makes up for this Ohio band's slight lack of songwriting ability.
No one else has really combined elements of new wave and industrial like this.
The songs are all pretty aggressive, but sonically State Of Being go far beyond both standard
industrial sequences and retro sounds.
Instead, electronic noises that would sound right at home in a Real Life or
Blancmange song are actually used creatively to create unique style for the band. Unfortunately,
the group often tries to use unemotional and generic vocals lines to drive songs along. The songs
that are instrumental or use miminal vocals, like "All I See," work very well, but tracks like
"Virtual Addiction" are brought down by the voice. It's not that their singer is bad; they just
need either stonger lead vocal melodies, or more creative effects on his voice. This problem,
however, isn't enough to ruin this great missing link between 80's synth pop and heavy industrial.
[ Chaos Control - June '97 ]
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