Customer Reviews

Casino

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

 

 

On paper this CD looks like a can't miss. But while Siobhan De Mare's vocals were perfectly matched to the retro trip-hop of Mono's "Formica Blues", they sound strangely awkward here. Robin Guthrie's music is pure Cocteau Twins, and maybe that's part of the problem. After the first few notes you just can't wait to here Elizabeth Fraser's unique brand of gibberish floating dreamily over the ambient waves. But here, de Mare attacks and ultimately overwhelms the songs. It's grating to the ears and sadly unenjoyable.

Siobhan de Maré (Mono) and Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) present the companion piece to their acclaimed ROULETTE release, CASINO. Collecting Singles and limited release EPs, CASINO contains the tracks Purr la Perla, Silent and Torn Up from the Choke EP, Storm and Safe Word (which were bonus tracks from the Killer Eyes CD Single), and the tracks Jailbird, Sky, Poppy and Chapter Three, which are from the Special EP. Also included are 3 previously unreleased tracks, Bang Bang, Heaven, and a glowing cover of the Jacques Brel song Ne Me Quitte Pas. As an extra treat, the rather violent video for Killer Eyes is also included.

Basically, this is more of the same lush and lustful, French infused pop that you heard on ROULETTE. Siobhan's vocals dance lightly over Robin's layered soundscapes, accompanying one another with perfect ease. Even if you already have the other singles and EPs, you'll want this for the bonus tracks, which are all very satisfying.

Trés bon! Highly recommended!

Not necessarily an LP, this is a compilation of EP songs, put together on one record. All the songs are pure gems, and I believe that the songs should have been released as an LP in the first place. Just like "Roulette", this record is best under a red light.

It's not the Cocteau Twins. But, it's [darn] good.

Like Roulette, the music on Casino is strong, but unfortunately, unlike Roulette, I can't say the same for the vocals. Siobhan has a great voice, but the lyrics and melodies on Casino are unimaginitive and uninspired. "Bang Bang" is the best example of the fantastic music distracted from by the uninspired vocals treatment. I would recommend picking up Roulette if you don't already have it or waiting for Violet Indiana's next relese.

Let's get this on the table: I'm a huge fan of the Cocteau Twins. The crazy kind that will bid for Cocteau Twins items on e-Bay. It was the first Violet Indiana CD I had ever bought and all I wanted to do was like it. I didn't have to love it and I certainly wasn't expecting Cocteau Twins quality. I knew it wasn't the Twins but I was willing to be open minded and give it a shot.

This CD is abysmal. It's more abysmal and even cloying after several listens. Siobhan de Mare's voice is pretty enough but had literally no dynamic quality to it. Awful, simply awful. I had purchased an iPod and was burning CDs to my library and could not bring myself to burn this one. Robin Guthrie writes arrangements in such interesting and dynamic ways and Siobhan's voice simply doesn't fit. She is in way over her head here showing little ability or artistry whatsoever. Who knows what Mr. Guthrie was thinking when he decided to collaborate with Siobhan. Her voice and his music simply do not go together.

Siobhan de mare ( known as Mono's vocalist - a grouped with martin Vigo with smash hit debut Life in Mono ) maybe looking for something new ; hotter, with a lot of guitar sound ( something that she haven't faced in Mono )and of course new fresh atmosphere . But her sexy, fully exotic and dreamly sound , cannot lying that very great and matching with mono . I always remember about life in mono, slimcea girl, silicon, the blind man , play boy, and the outsider .
Eventhought , I give 4 star fot this album , with a little note I give 6 star for life in mono .