Dark Cabaret has thrived as of late, particularly with the ascent of The Dresden Dolls into the mainstream.  But The Dresden Dolls are hardly the only band that participates in genuine forms of a Cabaret style.  Revue Noir, which largely consists of Nicki Jaine and Sam Rosenthal, bring their own uniquely genuine take on the genre to the frontline.  It is Nicki Jaine’s darkly Germanic voice that adds credence to the tunes of Revue Noir.  Sam Rosenthal’s electronics add moodiness, smudging the songs with an element of mystery.

The 13-track Anthology Archive bring together the 3-song Revue Noir CD Single released in 2005, a transformed cover of Bowie’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” (from .2 Contamination comp – 2005), “Sometimes, Sunshine” (released on the Dark Cabaret comp – 2005), and a selection of recorded and archived rehearsal tracks, MP3 demos, and live tracks.

“The Gravediggers” from the CD Single is a gothic tune injecting violin into what might be the most captivating track on the collected disc.  But there are other excellent pieces that include a captivating cover of Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow Parties” recorded live from a show in Salt Lake City in 2004 – I would love to hear Nicki Jaine do a cover of another Nico-fronted Velvet Underground track, “Femme Fatale.”  A live version (NYC – 2005) of black tape for a blue girl’s “Halo Star” is beautifully rendered here as well.

Cabaret is not for everyone but those who adopt it as a legitimate style will be pleased with this collected set of cabaret-styled music.