 Euphoria This one's being touted as some kind of hip electronica thing, but I think anyone dropping Ecstasy and listening to this is bound to just get a headache. Tame beats frame limp songs with immaculate production values – I was surprised in looking at the liner notes that it was recorded in Canada rather than LA. I guess you can't blame LA for everything. Euphoria's angle is that the sound blends synth-driven soundscapes with real guitars for some sort of euphoric vibe – yeah, if your idea of euphoria is a Dire Straits remix album. Some vocals here and there trying to sound like Kate Bush or Tori Amos succeed mainly in sounding like Bonnie Bramlett in late-period Fleetwood Mac (that wasn't a compliment). The presence of Geddy Lee from Rush on one track only makes the whole project more dubious. It's the work of studio rats as out of touch with the vitality of music as your parents – there's harmonica on this, for heaven's sake. Not recommended except for fans of stupid shit.
Review by Jessica Chinese |