Civilizations
Play: Lo-Fi Mid-Fi Hi-Fi Download: Lo-Fi Mid-Fi Hi-Fi
(Excerpt from track 'New Civilizations')
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Intelligentsia Civilizations Play: Lo-Fi Mid-Fi Hi-Fi Download: Lo-Fi Mid-Fi Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'New Civilizations') |
If you are into rhythmic, melodic, Electronic Music with that little twist of Jarre but also with some classical film music type touches then this will be a must buy for you. What we have with 'Civilizations' is a concept album split into three Acts.
Act One starts with 'Spacedock', full of massed classical strings and choirs (very impressive they are too). It's music that could accompany the opening credits to some epic Hollywood sci fi blockbuster. 'Earthrise' introduces some vocal samples and electronic effects to the classical backing; 'Starship Andromeda' gives it some Vangelis leanings. By the time we get to 'The Black Hole' we are 100% electronic sounding but all very atmospheric with a vocal sample reciting the names of the planets (with one extra one thrown in for good measure). As we enter 'Interstella' all the introductions are over and we go into overdrive on the back of some stonking good rhythms, excellent lead lines and wordless (well non that I can understand anyway) vocal colouring- wonderful stuff!
Act Two begins with 'Brave New Worlds' and also has that epic cinematic feel. 'Type Zero' consists of some short text describing more of the concept then rhythms return for 'Civilization Zero'. It's very melodic but with more classic touches and pseudo operatic vocals. 'New Civilisations' uses some very impressive massed strings as a backing over which a lovely repeated motif provides the main focus. Dense, slow pads take turns with the motif to provide melodic duties then all give way to virtual guitar. The pace quickens in the fourth minute and apart from a short interlude stays this way to the end. 'Civilization 23' is very Oxygene / Equinox period Jarre both in sequences and lead lines departments. Lovely stuff. 'Civilizations 42' is a short track with swirling and crashing atmospherics then some heavy breathing.
Act Three gets underway with 'Touchdown'. A lovely little melodic loop mixes with bass sequence. Another sequence comes in and again we are deep in Jean Michel Jarre territory bouncing along on the back of some lovely pulsations. Excellent lead lines come and go- great for air keyboard! It's hardly surprising that the same influences are even more on show in 'Jarreologie'. I mean those sequences! They might not be direct copies of his early work but the sounds chosen are spot on. Even the rhythms are extremely similar (Magnetic Fields?) though there are also some of Intelligentsia's own sounds and style in there as well. 'Dreams of the Future' is initially back to classical territory with the sound of a crowd cheering over the top. A dance beat then comes in to drive things forwards in very optimistic mood. That is until near the end when things unexpectedly take something of a darker twist. I thought this mood would continue on to 'End of Civilization' but instead it starts with running water and soft tranquil pads. In the last couple of minutes, however, the melodies do take on a slightly melancholy feel and a little later so do the rhythms. It all ends in a storm. (DL)
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