Title: Forever Syndrome
Artist: Illusion of Joy
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 634479357664
Genre: Rock

The pieces have all come together - or so it would seem since the last time we spoke. There was a time when two themes were placed back-to-back, fighting for attention like conjoined twins in a ridiculous competition. Those times are gone, for the moment, and we find ourselves before a monolith. The journey takes nearly eighty minutes to complete but each stop - all fourteen of them - is well worth the trip. 'Michelle' begins it all, hitting you twice upside the head before diving into a happy delusion. Love and marriage go hand in hand as do security and domestically. The guests are invited, the ceremony must go on; daddy gives you away, the ring is upon your finger and not soon after, everything falls apart. Domestic bliss isn't all it's made out to be as egos clash and power-games erupt in 'Psychosexual.' Did you really believe that bondage was all kinky fun all the time? It's late, the tempers are seething again and you're feeling the need to get out. Bathed in the intoxicating lights and liquors of the night, you begin to believe that you too can be one of the chosen ones. Talent is not an issue, for what you lack in skill you've made up for in close friendships with those in the right places at the right times. Now you're in the right place at the right time. Nepotism is sweeter than wine and who cares what those on the outside may say about your 'Shameful Ground?' Of course, you no-talent slobs have always been 'My Favourite Complaint,' but that is neither here nor there anymore. Seething hated simmers down to angst, which eventually fades into apathy. It may take two to tango, but one is only lonely to those still longing. And the longing always come back. I met someone back in 'October,' screwed it up like I always do and find myself lamenting. Where did I go wrong? I suspect it was when, once again, I fell under that disease known as 'The Forever Syndrome.' No relationship is indefinite, but we are damned if we aren't going to try and make them so. As one's hold gets tighter and tighter, the clichés kick in and...gone, all gone. Eventually the truth will our, like a lion of fire charging from it's cage. No more toxic personalities! I don't need another 'Soap Opera Villain' in my life! Burn away the grey and splash the walls in bright colours. The time has come to burn out all of the toxic personalities - to wash away the filth and disease! I will camp it up and smile despite the ache, Goddamn you all! It never lasts. You're 'Naked & Fading' once more, crying out, 'My Heart Is Empty.' You say it with an upbeat demeanour that belies the emptiness you feel carving out your chest. What is a heart - a love song, but another stab at 'Oblivion?' You retreat into yourself, lighting fires and watching trees turn to cinders. Ashes to ashes, as the 'Conversation' wears on. Did you think you could escape? Are you going to try again? Do you think you'll succeed? 'If You Don't See Me...' There's 'A Place Outside' when you still remain, forgotten, ignored or some combination of the two. Nobody seems to approve of your decisions anymore. There are constant nods of disapproval and the tsk, tsking of tongues. Who asked them anyhow? Didn't they drive you to this in the first place? The clouds are drawing over the sky again, like a pair of tattered drapes. All of those memories and mistakes come flooding back and your head is like a detuned radio. There are too many voices, too many colours and too much movement. It is all too confusing, but through it all, a sad, weak little voice cries out pitifully, 'Keep Breathing.' Father told me that I was a nasty child.

Tracks:
1.1 Michelle
1.2 Psychosexual
1.3 Shameful Ground
1.4 My Favourite Complaint
1.5 October
1.6 The Forever Syndrome
1.7 Soap Opera Villain
1.8 Naked ; Fading
1.9 My Heart Is Empty
1.10 Oblivion
1.11 Conversation
1.12 If You Don't See Me
1.13 A Place Outside
1.14 Keep Breathing