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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Innovative soundscapes on a bed of solidly approachable indie pop, October 10, 2008
Much is made of the electronics and atmospherics surrounding Mercury Rev, and with good reason: they have embraced an innovative aesthetic as tightly as any band out there. But when it comes down to the basics, electronic innovations do not assure anyone of a good album, and Snowflake Midnight is, most assuredly, a good album.
Song structures are typically loose, with the melodies weaving in and out of a river of sounds, the lyrics bubbling to the surface, heard as if in a dream--velvety one moment, then frighteningly clear the next. The music itself at turns is sublime, noisy, glittering, lovely, and memorable.
The thing that makes Snowflake Midnight such a pleasure, ultimately, is its cohesion. As I try to parse my way through the lyrics, I know there is a lot in here about love, and flowers, and...well, I'm not sure what else...but in the still seconds when the album is done, just before you press the play button again, you somehow feel that it was complete. I'd say that is a pretty good recommendation for anyone.
Now, on to what may be an even greater find--Strange Attractor. You probably know that when you buy this, you get a download link to a second full album. The album, Strange Attractor, is a "companion piece" to snowflake midnight. They are an excellent counterpoint one to another. Where Snowflake Midnight has recognizable song structure, lyrics, and uses electronics as a setting for the songs themselves, Strange Attractor is all instrumental and is a feast for electronic aural soundscapes. The songs are wonderful, mysterious explorations of looped sounds, echoes, grooves that rise and fall. The entire impression is one of immense grandeur and at times loss. Perfect music to drive on a dark night on a winding road--I know because I've done it. Magical. I think I like Strange Attractor as much as Snowflake Midnight, but for completely different reasons.
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Re-inventing themvelves once again, and splendidly., October 3, 2008
This is Mercury Rev's seventh studio album, following on from 2005's "The Secret Migration", largely viewed as a mis-step following the critical and commercial success afforded them in the UK following "Deserter's Songs" and "All Is Dream".
Having taken the psychedelic lullabies of their breakthrough album, 1998's "Deserter's Songs", as far as they can go over subsequent releases, and having been somewhat eclipsed as a cosmic pop force by fellow travellers The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev have changed direction quite dramatically on their latest album.
They have re-invented themselves once already. The first time helped to take them from avant garde sound pioneers with a small group of followers, to a major US indie act.
Having found it difficult to continue growing as a band within the crowded indie market, they have decided to throw off the shackles once again with "Snowflake Midnight", using random note generator software and a bunch of synthesised effects to create a pulsating canvas of soothing digital ambience which belies the less-than-organic composition techniques.
Gone is the guitar sound, or the shoegaze tendencies.
Instead, we have swirling synths, En-esque ambience and ethereal flourishes worthy of Sigur Ros' majesty. There's not a dull moment among the nine songs that comprise this startling new beginning.
It begins with 'Snowflake In A Hot World', an affecting mini-classic to rank among the best in the band's canon.
The majestic sweep of old is largely absent, although "Dream of a Young Girl as a Flower" does build to a compelling Krautrock climax.
"Tracks such as the serialist-leaning "Runaway Raindrop" with its vast cinematic sprawl, the soaring, spiralling spectacular that is "Sense On Fire", and the blissful hymnal "Faraway From Cars" more than make amends and contribute magnificently to Mercury Rev's finest offering since 1998's "Deserter's Songs".- BBC
Give it a fair few listens and, and it will grow on you amazingly.
Deserter's Songs
All Is Dream
The Secret Migration
Back to Mine
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat New Terrain for Mercury Rev, December 12, 2008
I must say that I did not find Secret Migration a mistake/strange detour for Mercury Rev. That album was a bit unexpected from me after All is Dream, but it has since turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. It's dreamy, sweet, honest, and the songwriting is absolutely top-notch. Snowflake Midnight is the logical progression. It's challenging, at least after the first few listens, but it mellows and warms over time. The rhythms are at times machine-like and abrupt, but the song structures are quite unique in that they develop as layers over the usual 5 minute mark. There are some great melodies hidden here, believe it or not. It takes a while to hear them.
Make no mistake, this is no Deserter's Songs, but it is something else--another experiment with new techniques and sounds. It's subtle and trippy with an allure that only Mercury Rev are capable of.
I think this is a good direction for the band. It's great to see them trying something new. And why many, including the LA Weekly who've called the CD a clunker, aren't so convinced of the band's new direction, I feel this is a new chapter for Mercury Rev. I just hope they keep making records like the last 4.
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