Customer Reviews

Parallel Universe

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

 

 

This is an excellent follow-up to Ashes, Ashes and, although it's hard to top songs like "Indigent," "Jupiter" and "Wake," this CD stands in the very rare space of an album where every single song is good! I dare you not to sing along with "Kiss on the Telephone," "Run," "When It's Dark I'm Five Again" and "Transmission." Jason, Darla and Fox have created a masterpiece that is a must have for every synthpop (and non-synthpop!) fan. This is a brilliant album and has become one of my favorites of all time!

Yes Ashes Ashes was superb but, this is how a band evolves!! The addition of Fox on guitar (especially live) is wonderful!! (yes I know Joey plays the guitar on one song). however, Guitar added to synthpop is a match made in heaven. I wouldn't even consider This music synthpop in the pure sense of the word. take one listen to the title track and tell me this shouldn't be played on indie rock stations across the US. I wish that once the new baby gets a little older and these guys can play out live more that they could add live drums to their act. I can see it happening!!

Kiss on the Telephone, S.O.S., and Parallel Universe are excellent slower synthpop songs. This CD is more moody and although I enjoy it, Ashes Ashes is definitely better. Nonetheless, it is a must have for those of us who love bands like Iris, De/Vision, Neuropa, etc.

Maybe not quite as good as their debut, but "When it's dark I'm five again," "Kiss on the telephone" and "transmission" are all excellent and very much in the same mold as the first album. I'm sure the rest will grow on me, as the songs on the debut did.

Yet another band doing Depeche Mode better than Depeche Mode can these days.

I first heard of Leiahdorus on a compilation from A Different Drum records a few years ago. It wasn't until recently when I was given a copy of Parallel Universe did I really start enjoying their brand of synthpop music. When I listen to the music I am often reminded a bit of Owl City, Pet Shop Boys, and even a hint of VNV Nation (like on the opening notes to "When It's Dark I'm Five Again"). I like that Fox Fletcher's guitars do not overwhelm and drown out the crisp synthesized melodies and gentle dance beats. I have to admit Jason Smith's vocals occasionally comes off whiny for me here and there but I quickly get over that and enjoy the music. Overall Parallel Universe is a very good synthpop album. The band really knows how to write a good pop hook as well as lyrics.

this cd holds place as the favorite cd i've bought in 2005, it takes this years #1 spot on my personal list. i am blown away every time i listen to the album. its so lyrically beautiful, musically killer, the perfect sound i've been longing to hear. dont hesitate to buy this cd, i guarantee you wont regret it.