Customer Reviews

Escape Pod for Two

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
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Mark Nicholas, a.k.a., Cosmicity recently announced that he will be retiring the Cosmicity name and striking out under his own name. He wants to be able to go in new directions without the preformed expectations of Cosmicity fans.

I hope Nicholas retains his excellent pop sensibilities no matter what name he records under. "Escape Pod for Two" is a terrific pop CD that highlights Nicholas' ear for harmony, arrangement, and melody.

"Sedgwick" kicks off the CD with a melodic bang. What follows is an electronic pop collection of memorable songs. Nicholas takes inspiration from the Pet Shop Boys (delicate background harmonies and endless variations of the melody) and other acts, but he adds his own lyrical and musical stamp to the songs.

Accompanying the CD is a second CD of remixes and other tracks. My favorites include the "Syrian remix" of "Sedgwick" and "Regenerate". Electronic pop fans will not be disappointed. For more info on Nicholas, check out his Web site at www.cosmicity.com.

The pinnacle of the American synthpop genre has been reached, and a new bar has been set by Cosmicity's "Escape Pod for Two". Mark Nicholas (aka. Cosmicity) has assembled a complete album of cohesive, well produced, thought/emotion provoking songs. Rarely does a songwriter have the ability to weave meaningful storylines and arcs into a 3 1/2 minute "pop song", but Cosmicity is able to do just that. Beyond just creating meaningful and emotive songs, this time around Cosmicity has woven together an entire album of interlaced songs. Each song leads to the next, builds from the previous... it's one long story spread across 11 tracks. Equal parts "synth" and "pop", Cosmicity has been at the forefront of the synthpop genre since debuting in 1994 with "The Vision". Careful not to sound like a clone of any other band that came before, Cosmicity has always blazed a new trail and worked on finding a unique sound and serving an underserved audience... synth fans who enjoy the occasional good pop song. Radio-friendly tracks include "Sedgwick", "Tinnitus", and Billboard Top 10 worthy "Regenerate". Synth purists will enjoy "Abort", "Departure" and "Vast". All in all, I cannot recommend this album highly enough. Anyone who has enjoyed any (or all) of Cosmicity's previous works will find "Escape Pod for Two" to be the bright shiny cherry on the top of the sundae that has been Cosmicity's musical career.

...But I was wrong! EP42 is total deliciousness from beginning to end. Though "I Want You" from Pure remains my favorite Cosmicity song, EP42 is an even better album overall. Pure had a couple tracks that didn't do much for me, and even one that I could hardly stand ("The Perfect Shape"), but there isn't one track on EP42 that is skippable. The whole thing is wonderful and fluid. I like that there is a constant chronological theme (a personal love story taking place in space). Mark placed the songs and moods perfectly, keeping the listener ever engaged. My personal favorites are "Sedgwick," "In Flight," "Regenerate," "Tinnitus," "Vast," and "Oxygenius." Okay, that's more than half the album, but it's that good. I truly love every song. If I HAD to pick a least favorite, it'd be the title track. But that should say a lot about the album, considering that the title track is a great love song. If you are already a fan of Cosmicity, you will definitely not be disappointed. If you are new to Cosmicity, this is a great place to start, as it is truly the pinnacle. There isn't one person that I've played Cosmicity for (fans of synthpop or not) that hasn't loved it. *sigh* Mark, we're gonna miss you.

Cosmicity's Escape Pod For Two is definately a crowning moment in the career of this amazing musician. It is the final release that Mark has committed to. He is taking a break from Cosmicity for an unknown amount of time. The CD is a jewel with a winding theme throughout, the songs are all part of a storyline where the listener is taken on a journey through space. The songs are very well recorded, have the thoughtfull lyrics we have come to expect from Cosmicity. The songs are a mixture of beats with some really interesting electronics thrown in.

Sedgwick starts out the CD as a very catchy tune. I like the storyline thoughout, which is not what I find in other music.

Departure is a medium fast song with a bright beat. The song gives you a feeling of leaving(either earth or leaving someone) depending on the mood.

Escape Pod For Two is the title track of the CD. It is the first slower song. It continues the story of the CD talking about two people leaving together to find someplace new. I like the backing vocals in this song a breathy sound that compliments the song.

In Flight speeds things back up and ruminates on leaving the past behind and just looking forward and not letting the world pull you down.

Abort is an interesting song. The vocals are all performed by one of the Macintosh "voices". The song works out amazingly well.

Regenerate is a mid tempo song with a very "humanized" song as Mark has said to contrast it with Abort. It works out well. I like the backing vocal effects on this song they really bring out the full effect of the song.

Drops and Splotches is a continuation of Regenerate with just a short vocal section. A nice song with fits right in with the others.

Tinnitus is a return to a slighty faster style song that works out well.

Vast is a story a song that is about being in transit and looking around and seeing just how vast the world actually is.

Oxygenius says to go your own way and forge your destiny. Don't wait for anyone or what you aren't. The song pulls this message of well. The chorus is catchy and the backing sounds are a nice mix that compliment the feeling throughout.

Futuresong is a nice love song to finish off the CD. It avoids the cliche comments and delivers up some powerful verses. "You think you love me, / but there's just no way / True love will take a lifetime / starting with today". After listening to the CD for a while this has quickly become on of my all time favorite Cosmicity songs.

To top it all off on the limited edition there is a bonus CD with remixes of almost all the songs.

I haven't talked much about the feel/sound of the music. Well don't worry this is your standard Cosmicity music only enhanced and taken to the next level. The sounds are all new an innovative. That is what I love about electronic music. Every song can sound so much different with just a touch of the button. This allows for distinct sounds that all mix together very well. The songs are blibby and bobby at times, slow and contemplative at others. Its hard to compare them to anything since they are computer generated but you can hear influnces of most instruments inside the sounds.

A Highly recommended CD. Earlier I had said that there is no song on this CD that makes my draw drop like "Let Me In" did on Pure. Well after listening to the CD for a while I have to change my opinion and say that Future Song is a jaw dropper. It is easily on of my top 5 Cosmicity songs of all time. I think the CD is the best yet from Cosmicity and one of the best CDs I have ever held in my hands.

Calling this album perfection is a stretch, but I admit that it is very good. Possibly one of Cosmicity's best. I need to acquire the Pure album to determine which album is truly the best Cosmicity album of all time. and please, don't retire!

This final album from Cosmicity is definitely a strong note to go out on. My favorite songs are the title track and I can't say enough about Futuresong. I think it has to be the most real and beautiful love songs I've ever heard. Not cliche, not superficial. The album is basically the story of how Mr. Cosmicity himself met, fell in love with, and married his wife. It's a beautiful journey and a CD that anyone would enjoy having in their collection, whether you're a big fan of Synth pop or not. The vocals are typical Cosmicity, smooth and beautiful. One of the most soothing and lovely male voices out there. Get this CD. You won't regret it.

This album is simply incredible! Absolutely the best album so far. The sound is mixed perfectly, the vocals are .. well, perfect is the only word that comes to mind... I like pretty much everything about this album!