Since I knew very little about Olive when I picked up the British electronica band’s 1996 debut Extra Virgin, it was a relief to discover that they are actually extremely talented and exceptionally entertaining.
Initially signed to RCA, the band (producer Tim Kellett and vocalist Ruth-Ann Boyle with help from Robin Taylor-Firth early on) released just one album before being unceremoniously ejected from their label. The album, Extra Virgin, took a while to catch on in Britain (it never really did in the US) but eventually managed to sell to gold status. Despite the success of intriguing singles like You’re Not Alone and Miracle the twosome was fired and resigned with Madonna-owned Maverick to release 2000’s Trickle.
Extra Virgin isn’t a masterpiece, but it is very entertaining. The production is smooth, cool, and tidy while Boyle’s vocals are phenomenal. Despite blending the noise of electronica with the dankness of trip hop and memorable melodies, Olive still was unable to make a major impact amidst a sea of similar critically and at times commercially successful acts like Everything But The Girl and Sneaker Pimps. Despite this lack of definition and identity, I believe that Extra Virgin is a necessary addition to any trip hop/electronica collection.
Extra Virgin features twelve tracks. Some of the songs make no impact to speak of, though it’s important to note that they aren’t particularly bad either. Former Simply Red member Kellett does a fine job with production while singer Boyle possesses a voice that is more of a musical instrument than anything else. It blends so seamlessly with Kellett’s production that Boyle becomes nearly indistinguishable from the song on the whole.
The obvious choice, You’re Not Alone is my favorite track from Extra Virgin. It’s delicate, yet driving and chock full of emotion. As the track progresses more and more elements are added eventually becoming the most lovely offering on the album. Olive is electronica but with Boyle’s voice the songs are transformed into something wholly different and something more entertaining and more rewarding.
Miracle is also a remarkable track and an ideal introduction to both the band and the album on a whole. As with many of the other songs, it begins on a simple, deconstructed note and only as it progresses do other elements enter the picture. I love the ethereal feel that permeates Miracle. Boyle enunciates nicely on the lyrics yet she doesn’t sound in the least bit forced or obtrusive.
Also deserving a nod is Outlaw. A simple drum machine fronted by Boyle mark the song for much of the time with occasional classical stringed instruments making an appearance. It reminds me the tiniest bit of Motown, but then again that influence can be felt throughout this band and other similar acts. Overall, the song is actually quite a bit more commercially appealing than most of the other tracks. In fact, it’s even upbeat…very contrary to most trip hop and electronica. This is a definite must listen.
Safer Hands also proves to be a wholly entertaining track. It’s excitable, melodic, and extremely well done. In fact, Keller’s production shines brightly on this song that is more complex than it may initially seem. What I really appreciate here is that Olive takes the guidelines laid down by bands like Portishead and creates a sound that is original. Safer Hands is more lighthearted than the vast majority of trip hop…and I like it.
None of these twelve tracks is difficult on the ears. From the first notes of Miracle through the final faintly jazzy notes of I Don’t Think So, Extra Virgin is an impressive first effort. It would have been nice if the songs were more easily distinguished. Toward the end of the album, everything just begins to blend together into one amorphous track.
I do enjoy Olive and Extra Virgin. There are certainly better albums out there from bands like Morcheeba (I always recommend them), Portishead, and others but Olive is certainly an important step along the path of trip hop. They at times use more electronica than other contemporaries. But, keep in mind that it is “good” electronica not loud or unappealing in the least. I recommend Extra Virgin to all trip hop/electronica fans. For those who recognize the smooth melodies of You’re Not Alone, this disc could be a special find.
Rating: 4/5
Track Listing:
1. Miracle
2. This Time
3. Safer Hands
4. Killing
5. You’re Not Alone
6. Falling
7. Outlaw
8. Blood Red Tears
9. Curious
10. You Are Nothing
11. Muted
12. I Don’t Think So
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Since migrating to Maverick, Olive has recorded and released just one album�’s Trickle. Trickle managed to get significantly more critical acclaim than the band’s debut.
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