Customer Reviews

Afterglow

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Her "Colour Me" single did not disappoint, and the expectations generated by that single are fully fulfilled by Afterglow, the debut album from the angelic Dot Allison.

This album finds her breaking free of One Dove's sound, beginning her free-form expression within her chosen musical genres. But she does bold new things with the techno/choir/pop hybrid on this album. The lonely piano that begins "Alpha Female", for example; the sensual Eurodance grind of "Mo' Pop"; the absolutely lovely "Did I Imagine You?"; the Eastern-flavoured keyboard riff that permeates "Close Your Eyes" -- every song is a gem, infused with Allison's trademark multitracked vocal magic and her daring arrangements. Allison's on-record charisma is phenomenal but despite her ice-goddess looks, her voice can convey a real warmth that makes these songs not just a collection of machinery and mechanized beats, but organic lifeforms with a beating heart.

Just buy it. God knows, if the powers that be lack the faith, this album will not be discovered by the general public -- and it richly deserves to be.

Dot Allison was first introduced to me during my stint as a college DJ. The first time I heard her voice was on the Death In Vegas single "Dirge." I thought that was an amazing song, so when her album came out, I absolutely had to check it out.

While it isn't something you would dance to, put on for a party, or listen to when you want to get a mood boost, this album is incredible. The production is fabulous, creating rich, lush vocal landscapes and layers of sound. Allison has the ability to change the sound gradually with the different tones of her voice, which is truly impressive. Allison also did most of the writing for the album, which proves she works through the music, instead of just vocalizing someone else's work.

I know this album isn't for everyone, but I would suggest you check it out if you enjoy Mono, Mazzy Star, Tori Amos, Death in Vegas, or any of the trance/ambient/darkwave female artists out there.

As for the bitter reviewer who "overlistened" to the point of detest to this album, is that Ms. Allison's fault? No. As with any music this should not be played over and over or it will lose its element of special mystique. (This is also a note to myself, because I really should take it out of my CD player). I've been listening to this CD for three straight weeks now and it gets more nostalgic and evocative with each listen. I'd say it's 30% Cocteau Twins, 30% Kate Bush, 10% Garbage and 30% all its own beauty. GET THIS IF YOU ENJOY HEARTBORKEN BALLADS, WATERY, ELOQUENT LYRICS, AND DAMN SOLID MUSIC.

She is gorgeous, both in terms of her looks and her music, she is in no way a bimbo, although she is beautiful. She is Richard Fearless' girlfriend, who appeared here as a guest. I have to tell you, this is a great album that has infinite commercial potential, if they had played some of the songs on radio, it could have been big. But it is not the main point, what I am actually trying to say is: This is one of those more accessible albums without succumbing to the commercial ground. Her vocal is incredible here, she can sound like some guess singer from This Mortal Coil('Tomorrow Never Comes'), Sarah Cracknell from Saint Etienne('Mo Pop'), PJ Harvey ('Message Personnel')... No no no, she is just Dot Allison. A talent that truly deserves your attention, a gorgeous being. People who have heard music by One Dove, Dot's former band should realize that this sounds much more `pop' those her former band. While undoubtedly this more conventional approach to music would displease her former One Dove fans, she should gain many more new fans with different likings for music. I know Bjork fans would like her, so do Cocteau Twins fans, as well as indie pop fans and chill-out music fans. If this hit does not succeed commercially, just remember this name and check out her next album when it released, I am sure she can make it big next time round, because she truly deserves it, and she is much better than your mediocre Ani Difranco or Beth Orton.

A return of those sexy, soothing female vocal sounds which were last heard on 'One Dove - Morning Dove White'. Track 2 - 'Tomorrow never comes' is fantastic, mellow and if you had to sort of compare it to something I guess Mazzy Star's 'fade into you' would come close. Theres is a lot of variety here, no doubt about that, it's not all dreamy tracks don't y'know.

This is a superb come-down album, and a brilliant solo debut by Dot Allison, the best cd I've bought this year and an essential part of the after-clubbing experience. Full marks.

Well I bought this CD on a whim having never heard of Dot Allison. I'm happy to report I'm not disappointed. A nice mix of ambient and electronic topped with Dot's angelic voice. My favorite song is trac 3 "Close Your Eyes" - for some reason I listen to this one over and over and over again. Then it stays in my head all day. Great soundtrack for driving and spacing out (but not at the same time). The only song I skip is trac 4 "Message Personal". Dot likes to repeat the same mediocre stanza over and over, which I find very unnecessary. Just doesn't tickle my fancy.
So you have my recommendation - now go check her out!

Dot Allison's Afterglow is truly superb. From the moment you are cast into the magic of this wonderful album, you are caught up in a breathtaking sense of being under the spell of an extra aura around you. The magnificence never leaves you. It remains with you throughout every song in the album, keeping you geared up with eager momentum. Each song is unique, but all are veiled in a continuous soft ethereal sound, which flows brilliantly throughout the album. From the hauntingly beautiful "Colour Me", to the spiritually emotional "In Winter Still", you are under the spell. From the onset, you feel the glow all around you, as it meanders its way through the album, until it finally but reluctantly reaches its finish. Because of its utter brilliance however, the warmth of the afterglow remains with you. The only thing that could top this wonderful debut from Dot is more from Dot. I look forward to much, much more!

I imagined 'Afterglow' would be imaginative, fresh and something to get excited about. After reading some extremely good write-ups for Dot Allison's debut album, I went out and bought it. While I was a little let down, there's still plenty here to enjoy. Those expecting a mellower Bjork won't find her here. While she doesn't have the vocal range of Bjork (or she might have, though she doesn't show it here) Dot Allison's angelic and soothing voice lends a pleasantly chilly touch to these ambient tunes. 'Afterglow' wasn't the awesome album I expected, but it's by no means an average record. Take this home and give it a spin.

I bought the record in hope of eclectic electronic ambient epxerimental pop music, but it turned out just to be electronic pop music. I'm not saying it's not good, and hopefully some gems will emerge with further listening.

After first listening I don't remember a single song from the album. The similarity of the tracks left me wishing for more diversity and imaginary selection of moods. Overall, I was left with an impression of an alternative rock 'band' playing pop tunes without real instruments.

WOW! This is the best album of 1999. Allison, the former voice of One Dove, has outdone herself here. Ethereal, angelic and beautifully breathy vocals hypnotize and soothe the listener. "Colour Me" and "Close Your Eyes" will get you groovin', but the slow songs will entrance you. With minimal instrumentation, Allison almost whispers in a musical lullaby. She is amazing and I will never grow tired of this album.