Since releasing the track “Intoxicate” on the Endzeit Bunkertracks II compilation, the debut from Erica Dunham’s Stray has been a highly anticipated new voice in the electro-industrial world.  Unlike Unter Null, Dunham’s main project, Stray focuses on subtler emotions than outright anger.  Of course, she doesn’t quite manage to make a break from the darker side of the psyche: Abuse by Proxy charts the progression of a relationship from initial adoration to the finality of disappointment.  Musically, Dunham  takes a much different approach with Stray than she does with Unter Null.  The programming and synths are varied, relying on individual washes of sound and varied sonic textures that layer together to form an impressive and atmospheric whole.  Of particular note are the vocals on the album—the different vocal effects and styles of vocal delivery blend perfectly with the haunting melodies within each track.  Bonus points for the cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You”; though it isn’t immediately recognizable as a cover, it captures the feeling of the original and spins in it a completely new direction.

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