Customer Reviews

Artificial Intelligence

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

 

 

This is where soul meets machines, & rock meets electronics (rocktronics?), in a very tasty stew which combines a wide range of influences into something distinctly new. Imagine the offspring of Jane's Addiction and Prince, then you're getting close to the spirit of this new trio.
Songs run from their ode to booty -"Bottoms Up"- and the screaming "Alien Sex" to the joyful "Laughter" or the mysteriously moving "The Whales". This album runs deep.

Okay, so I admit it...I'm pretty snobby about the music I listen to. And I must add that I have been rather bored and frustrated with most new music. It all sounds the same; I was very ready for something new.

I did not even remotely know what to expect from a electronic/rock band, WHATSOEVER, but keeping an open mind, I popped in the debut record from L.A.'s A.I. I thought, surely this could not be pulled off. But about halfway through the first song, my skepticism had completely melted away...track one, "Bottoms Up", immediately caught my attention and reeled me in. It was interesting musically, had texture, and featured elements of funk that could not be ignored. The following track, "One Man's War", hosted a sensual ferocity, the smooooooth vocals taking you to another (dreamy) realm in the verses, and snapping you back to reality in the chorus.

Then we get to "Alien Sex". This seems to be the star track of the record, and rightfully so. The colorful blend of humorous lyrics and a funky, driving sound almost make you feel as if YOU are in outer space. Followed up by the very pretty, very sensual "Soul Rescue", by this point I was extremely hooked. Being a big fan of diversity, before the record was even halfway over, I had already pushed the repeat button.

If you haven't heard this band, take a chance and buy the cd. You certainly get your money's worth.

My favorite tracks: the fun rambunctious "Alien Sex", "Soul Rescue", the melodic, pretty "Say You'll Stay", and "She Says".

These guys have an awesome sound. I bought this cd after I saw them play live in L.A. with Money Mark and am definitely glad I bought the cd. The beats, rythms and lyrics are so fun. Alien Sex is the best! Everyone should get this cd, it's worth it.

I Love this cd EVERY SONG IS GREAT! we listen to it alot!
theres is alot going on in the music, but that's a good thing, a wonderful thing,. the songs have depth and meaning, and just gives me and every one i know great pleasure to hear it again and again...zack young is one of the best drummers ever, and Pablo Manzarek is absolutely soulful, smooth and intelligent on the keybords, he gives each song so much depth and a groove that'll move you in ways u din't think you could...great fun....I also love the lyrics to all the songs....thanks Ai you rock our world!!
soul resuce is my favorite, and caught in the fire (awesome instrumentals!) and of course forever, and whales!.... man i could keep going...alien sex!....laughter, there you go!!

I Love this cd EVERY SONG IS GREAT! we listen to it alot!
theres is alot going on in the music, but that's a good thing, a wonderful thing,. the songs have depth and meaning, and just gives me and every one i know great pleasure to hear it again and again...zack young is one of the best drummers ever, and Pablo Manzarek is absolutely soulful, smooth and intelligent on the keybords, he gives each song so much depth and a groove that'll move you in ways u din't think you could...great fun....I also love the lyrics to all the songs....thanks Ai you rock our world!!
soul resuce is my favorite, and caught in the fire (awesome instrumentals!!!!!) and of course forever, and whales!.... man i could keep going...alien sex!....laughter, there you go!!

No question that the trio that make up AI are talented (when you get Ray Manzerek's son on keyboard and drums, that ain't bad). But this album shows how tough it is to combine two forms of music together; in this case, rock and electronic. After hearing this album, you can truly appreciate what Smashing Pumpkins or Happy Monday's achieved.

Their website describes their music as "rocktronic" (ears back), but the first few songs have the genres fighting each other rather than complimenting. Not until they settle well into the best song on the album "Soul Rescue" about a third of the way into the album, that they either put the knob-tweaking or the guitars up front. When they let one or the other take the lead, the result is much more solid.

Take it as growing pains of a group's debut and trying to please all with their talents. These boys need to settle down and figure out the direction they want to take. Not a bad album, but nothing terribly redeeming.