Customer Reviews

Alpha & Omega

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4 star:		(2)
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cd review by ACyD BURN

Traditional Synthpop purists EMPIRE STATE HUMAN are synonymous in the electro circuit and can be found on many playlists througout the world.
Released through Ninthwave records Empire State Human is another of the
elite Synthpop purists which Ninthwave is known for and is a fine
example of what is out there today keeping the Synthpop purist tradition
alive and well.
ALPHA OMEGA transcends the boundries of many bands that label
themselves as "Synthpop" Alpha Omega shows what real Synthpop is all about and
personifies the EuroSynth sounds from the 80's that have influenced the
New Wave of Synthpop artists of today and tomorrow.

ADRENILINE "Empires Free Rein Mix" Kicks off Alpha Omega with
irridescent grace. A well crafted track slightly reminiscent of acts like Yaz
and Erasure. Although the use of modern equipment is evident it adds to
the sound and dosen't take anything away from the traditional synthpop
sound.And is a great way to start off Alpha Omega and is one of the more
notable tracks found here.

LITTLE ALFIE "Deep In The Dirt Mix" Follows suit as another strong
track with a vibrant dance beat with catchy arpeggios and flavorful lyrical
content.

PARADISE "Paradise Lost Mix Freezepop" I've always said personal
relationship conflicts although painful at times can be a solid foundation
for a great music track. Songs people can actually relate to as well as
appreciate. As you listen you can see that sometimes we can't count on
Paradise to be something that lasts forever. As the old saying goes
nothing good lasts forever.

STRANGE STAR "Wave In Head Remix" Takes a stab at those people who
think themselves as someone to bow down to. A somewhat comical approach to
the traditional rant. A bouncy beat does accompany this track and is
quite infectious. "I like".

LEAP OF FAITH "Empires Acid Mix" A mix of Old School Electronics meshed
with New School percussion that may compare to Depeche Mode stylings.
Futurepop may be what we can box this track into as far as sound
comparisson but what I hear is a track that easily would fit into any 80's New
Wave dance night and get a great crowd response and not take away from
the 80's vibe when attending a Old Wave night at the local dive. Well
done.

CHIMES "One Lazy Mix' This track exudes elegance,Instrumental in nature
smooth and sultry. Chimes is a moving piece with alot of emotion in
composition I really like this one alot. Mellow and soothing add a glass
of chilled wine a dash of candle light served with Nag Champa for extra
ambience.

THE ATOM OF THE MOMENT "Empires Split Mix" Follows suit with a smooth
electronic cocktail full of flavor. This track and Chimes may not be
traditional but are masterful pieces of work adding to the bands
diversity.

THE HALL OF MIRRORS "Empires radio Edit" The "Petshop Boys" come to
mind here while I soak in the sensual electro backdrop. A smooth mellow
composition displaying emotional lyrical content.

VEGAS YEARS, THE PERSUADERS, SULLEN EYES, SCIENCE OF LIVING, HALLOWEEN,
FALLOUT and WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT finish of Alpha Omega with
instrumental textures in The Persuaders and Sullen Eyes with a trip hop beat mixed
with Morrisey like vocals. This cd is a monumental journey into the
world of purist inspired Synthpop with a couple of tracks outside the
purist element adding a diversity to the mix of tracks here. Empire State
Human are quite capable of creating equally impressive Darkwave and Trip
Hop inspired material. As a whole this cd froma musical standpoint adds
another notable notch in the continuing history of Synthpop and
Electropop music. Empire State Human continue to impress their fans and
improving their sound with each release. Alpha Omega 15 tracks of immense
Synthpop and Electro masterpieces that will easily become more valuable as
time goes on...

ACyD BURN rates it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars..

ESH is moving forward at fast speed, with 'Alpha & Omega' they release their 2nd album for Ninthwave Records and their 3rd (!!) full length for 2002. Containing 15 rare ESH tracks from both the 'Martian Anthems' and 'Pop Robot' sessions it holds remixes and collaborations provided by artists as Empire, Count To Infinity, Freezepop, Wave In Head, One Lazy Ear and ESH itself. Taking off strong it takes off beautifully with Empire's free rein mix of 'Adrenalin', pure dancepop. Aside from the remixes, this compilation holds new version of .... behold, John Barry's 'Persuaders Theme' and John Carpenter's 'Halloween Theme' apart from Kraftwerk's 'The Hall Of Mirrors' as well as a new version of ESH's 'Chimes' which was originally composed for a Sony Playstation 2 advert back in 2001. Pay special attention for the jazzy ballad 'Sullen Eyes' and 'Wait Until The Night' which provoke a very deep emotional atmosphere. An album that will draw you by both ears through the ESH landscapes. Pure electronic pleasure especially targeted at those that love hybrid voices a la Antony and The Johnson's and for Erasure fans. Recommended (Bernard Vanisacker 8 out of 10

The Irish Synthpop combo Empire State Human commendably sweetens us the wainting time until the next album with this supercomplete compilation. On"Alpha & Omega" the three musicians have collected all, what was lying around in their studio, and it is not meant, that this are low - quality tracks. The whole opposite: rare and unpublished tracks from the recording sessions of their formerly released albums "Martian Anthems" and "Pop Robot" are there as well as remixes of the album tracks, collaborations with bands like Wave In Head & Count To Infinity (just to name the two most popular ones) and two real highlights for film- and TV - freaks: masterly played versions of the title melodies from John Carpenter's "Halloween" and of John Barry's TV cult series "The Persuaders", known over here as "Die Zwei". Also Empire State Human leave their mark on the Kraftwerk-classic "Hall Of Mirrors" ("Spiegelsaal"), they turn the stressed icy original into a sherical -ambient synthipop-piece. But also the remixes are (especially with an eye on many a failed remix actions of several other bands) are not to despise. Especially the forward driving remix of "Adrenalin" and the bubbling dance version of "Leap Of Faith" pass without problems on the dancefloor. The 15 tracks long album is closed with the beautiful ballad "Wait Until The Night", facing the unbelievably moodful singing an absolute highlight of the disc (sob!). "Alpha & Omega" shows no real weaknesses at any time. So who needs a completely new ESH-album? Perhaps the guys have even more of this lying around in their studio? My tip: search around yet another time ! "Alpha & Omega 2" is welcome at any time! (AW)