What style is it?
Trance, Progressive, IDM, Orchestra, Breakbeat, etc.
Who do they sound like?
* Chicane
* Sneaker Pimps
* Orbital
* NO ONE - there are some truly unique styles on this cd
First let's clear up which version of this album I have.
I have the 76 minute Kinetic records release of this album. I clarify that because there are numerous versions of this album floating around. Amazon.com sells a version that includes a 5 track bonus CD for a total of 17 tracks. It even has different cover art than the art shown along with this review.
My tracklisting is as follows:
1. Opening Credits
2. If I Survive
3. I Know
4. Beachcoma
5. Dreaming Your Dreams
6. Snyper
7. Theme from Wide Angle
8. Sinequanon
9. Kill City (Edit)
10. Altitude (Edit)
11. Finished Symphony
12. Altitude (Red Square Reprise)
13. Kid 2000 (Edit)
Opening Credits is a quiet piece filled with strings and warbling wind noises. If you have heard any of the softer stuff that Moby puts out, especially some of the tracks on the latter half of "Play", you have an idea of what this track sounds like. As you start with this song, you may wonder if you in fact bought an orchestra CD instead. According to the liner notes, all orchestral parts performed on this album were done by the Russian Federal Orchestra. No wonder the strings sound so real, they are! :)
All of the orchestra/electronic confusion is cleared up rather quickly though as "If I Survive" slides in. The bass line starts rocking and you know you are in for a ride. "If I Survive" is easily one of my favorites off of this album. I liked is so much I went on to pick up the 12" single. Surprisingly, this track contains vocals, and not just sampled vocals. The song tells a story about a woman who has discovered a plan to kill her. If you can't make out all the words, you can turn to the liner notes which contain the full lyrics for the album. I really like it when artists do that.
Julee Cruise continues to tickle the ear with her beautiful voice on the third track "I know". This is the track that I think sounds most like a Sneaker Pimps track. Not really danceable, but a good song.
"Beachcoma" is a very soothing track containing some nice scratching and piano elements. There is so much going on in this song, you really have to listen to it a few times to take it all in.
"Theme from Wide Angle" would do nicely in a Timo Maas set. Hard beats, hard synth, some breaks. It eases down a bit near the end, but would still keep the dancefloor filled.
"Sinequanon" contains lyrics that aren't in english (maybe italian?). Even though I don't know what he is saying, it sounds good to me :)
"Kill City" could be slipped in with a group of Orbital tracks and the listener would be hard pressed to notice the one that isn't Orbital. Lucky for Hybrid, I happen to love Orbital, so in turn, I love this track. Ghostly moaning over a quick, pouncing drum line.
"Finished Symphony" instantly pulls you in with it's menacing strings and sly strings. I sat and listened to this track on repeat one time, trying to put a mental image to the glorious sounds. The image that kept returning to me was a high school basketball game. A what!? you say? A basketball game. The track starts out with the teams warming up, slightly nervous. The tip off ensues and the game is on. The teams trade baskets for the most part, and all is well. Near half time, the home team begins to lose, badly. They are trying the darndest, but just can't keep up. Half-time. The team regroups with a bit of rest and an inspirational speech from the coach. The team really gets fired up. They huddle up and continue to get excited. Half time is over and they run back out onto the court. The team plays with a new fire and begins to creep back into the game, but continue to lose. Just when they think they can't pull it out, the crowd backs them up and cheers louder than ever. The team knocks down shot after shot. The end of the game is near. A hard foul occurs and one of the players is knocked to the ground hard. The crowd silences. Everyone is worried. The player slowly gets up and goes to shoot his free throws to end the game, and then ... Man, the track ends! What a rip-off! I want a remix! ;)
The orchestral sections throughout this album impress me. Hybrid has done a great job of progressing the electronic sound. The album stays quite danceable, but also adds a new layer of engineering complexity that allows for quiet listening at home as well. I think this album should be played in elementary music classes. Sometimes kids here instruments such as violins, oboes, and french horns and are intrigued by the sound, but put off by the "old dudes in the tuxedos". Hybrid brings that same beauty and a bucket of "get up and dance" for good measure.
What else should I check out?
* BT - Movement in Still Life
* Hybrid - Remix & Additional Productions (their mix cd)
* Chicane - Far from the Maddening Crowds
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