Customer Reviews

Artifact

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Far from being sleep inducing, new age, elevator fluff, this is an uplifting, atmospheric album. Imagine a less brooding Massive Attack or a more adventurous Thievery Corporation. The music here is rich with sophisticated (but accessible) beats, a strong sense of musical exploration, and yet, capable of the wistful moments found in Kevin Shields' Lost in Translation soundscapes. This largely instrumental affair does feature a handful of melodic and soulful vocal tracks reminiscent of M.J. Cole, Koop, and Zero 7. Fans of Tortoise are easily encouraged to experience the wide array of musical ideas and sonic textures that Sound Tribe Sector 9 have produced.

Rather than songs engineered by those with a technological approach, musicianship plays the key role on this warm and intellectual electronica. Supposedly, STS9 are wonderful on stage (I admit to never having seen them live) but this review is based on the album in question and not on the group's direction or capabilities beyond the studio. A truly refreshing and lyrical album, `Artifact' is worthy of investigation.

This is no "knee-jerk" 5 star review. I didn't give this cd the highest mark because I'm a fan of the band (which I am). Instead, I popped the disc in, plugged in my headphones, and went on a sonic journey that I hadn't been on in a while. This cd is hands down STS9's best effort yet. Artifact gives you layers upon layers of sound. The production is outstanding. The instrumentation is clever. The band is at the top of their game.

Not to be cliche', but the disc will take you on a roller-coaster ride of electronica and jazz. When you buckle your seat belt, "Better Days" gives you the downtempo warm up. The next track "By the Morning Sun" keeps you on the climb........then "Tokyo" hits. This track is huge...and provides a beat-drop in the middle that will literally leave you laughing out loud (one of those laughs of disbelief....you know what I'm talking about). From then on, the journey is intense. Standouts include: "Peoples", "GLOgli",
"Somesing", and "Possibilities".

I can't find much wrong with this disc. It is definitely worth my 5 star rating. And it is -no doubt- worth your money.

...to everybody. I always purchased STS9's albums with a lot of hope for the future combined with a hint of skepticism. It was always a disappointment. This album is not only the best outing for this band, but can be put amongst the best of electronic music period. It is soothing, angry, smooth, trippy, and subtle, much more subtle than anything previous. What is amazing is to put this album next to "Interplanetary Escape Vehicle." It would be nearly impossible to find a better example of musical growth for any particular band. The amount of tasteful sounds that roll in waves through this album is mindboggling. I am happy that I gave STS9 another chance. This is electronic music with heart and thought. My favorite CD of the year thus far.

The first track, although not a true song, is a choped vocal sample that implies that this ablum is a musical story. I couldn't agree more. It's hauntingly cinematic schemes and textures are endless and it is constantly reaching uncharted sonic territory, sometimes resembling brian eno's ingenius soundscaping. It's undoubtedly electronic music, but is entirely organic - like an electronic tribute to nature. It is very conscious and focused music with no aimless meandering jams (which is not always bad) - minimalism at its greatest. I've seen soundtribe play live and they're great, but this cd is a true representation of the band's talent, creativity, philosophy, and direction...which is forward.

i got into STS9 over the past couple of months or so, and they are truly a great band. i downloaded a lot of their live stuff, picked up two albums (not including this one) and then finally saw them live. keep in mind nothing beats a live experience.

STS9's latest exploration into the musical realms of jazz, funk and electronica leave their previous movements far behind. everything on this album is flawless, and it continues to suprize me with every listen. There are layers upon layers of sound, providing for excellent replay value and something new each time you listen. For me this album is #2 on my desert island discs second only to John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme". On ARTiFACT, STS9 combine studio and live tracks to capture their amazing production skills and their live energy. this album is a journey into the depths of the creative minds behind this masterpiece. flawless. five stars. amazing. unbelievable. quit reading this and buy it NOW!

It is always difficult to listen to a great live band confined to the studio, but STS9 seems to bridge a gap. While I can easily say that STS9 is curently one of the strongest bands on tour today, studio work sometimes will take a second seat. However, in the case of Artifact, the tribe seems to weave a layer and texture of music that is often lost on traditional records. Innovation, energy and spirit define STS9 as best as i can. As the leaders of the "innovation generation" of the jam band scene, a la Disco Biscuits and Brothers Past to name a few, STS9 gives an energy that can't be matched. "Artifact" is just another step in blazing the ever evolving sonic soundscape that is Sound Tribe Sector 9

Although I'm good with words, I'm simply at a loss for words about this album. Simply put, this album encourages your brain to go explore. It truly takes you places. Artifact is STS9's masterpiece, and I truly believe its one of the top twenty albums put out in the last ten years.

Not the typical STS9, or at least I think. This one seems to be a little more etherial and New Age feel, but typical outstanding STS9 well worth purchasing!

This is hands down one of my favorite studio recorded albums!! Anyone interest in tribe this is the album to buy. There are so many good songs on this recording. Musical Story, Yes kicks off the album with beautiful female vocal highlights and travels deep into a musicla journey. I cant even pin point the best song on here, becuase they are all so good. Tribe also puts on some of the most intense shows. Saxton amplifies the music with amazing light designs! You must see this band live, and if you do make sure to wear your dancing shoes!!! They have a spring 2011 tour coming up and also hitting up the festivals later this summer. I will definitely be at wakarusa 2011 to see them play at the interstella meltdown. Wakarusa 2011 has an amazing lineup including STS9 and many more bands!! Excited to see what Waka holds for me!

This album is amongst the best! A little taste of their new music, Sound Tribe brings in an interesting sound. Their studio produced music is one of a kind and their live show is an experience beyond this world. I would recommended this album and the rest to anyone looking for a personal adventure in waves of sound. One idea i appreciate about tribe is the fact that they don't use alot of lyric and if they do its extremely abstract. I read an interview between the crew and they stated the reason the dont use alot of lyric is to not stifle the imagination or creativity of the listener, they want to provide a unique and personal experience for each person. The best way to achieve this is to see them live. They provided thousands of people joy and entertainment in 2010 at All Good Music festival in Arkansas. They will be participating in this event for 2011, If you enjoy this album and want the full experience please join them and thousands of fans on the top of Marvin's Mountain for All Good 2011!