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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid "Isolation", December 13, 2005
This review is from: Splendid Isolation (Audio CD)
Not enough people heard Yonderboi's "Shallow and Profound." That's a shame, because the Hungarian wunderkind's enchanting debut was one of the most unique, entrancing downtempo albums seen in years.
Now we see the arrival of "Splendid Isolation," which takes that eclectic sound and expands it further. Blending Eastern-European folk with downtempo, rock and some trippy beats, Yonderboi creates one of the most striking dance albums of 2005.
The album opens with crows cawing, following by a melancholy snippet of violin music and ominous piano, sounding like it's emanating from an aged radio. Then suddenly the melody expands to orchestral levels, and a chorus of angelic voices sing out, "All we go... to hell!" over swelling strings.
From there on, Yonderboi's album follows its natural course -- delicate piano melodies mixed with soft beats and synth, organ-laced pop, guitar pop, and one outright rock song, "Were You Thinking Of Me?", which is ruled by energetic riffs and a solid, driving melody. This brief rock interlude feels a bit out of place, however.
Fortunately, Yonderboi then returns to what he does best, with the whirling, heart-racing electronica of "Trains in the Night," followed by stretches of yearning whirlwind dance, before coming full circle creatively with a pair of gentler, softer songs, and the parting message: "Even if you're victorious/you've got to break the chain of evil/with love..."
You have to give Yonderboi credit: After hitting the mark to perfection in his last album, he doesn't rest on his laurels. Artistically, that is.
"Splendid Isolation" has much the same vibe of "Shallow and Profound," but the jazz'n'lounge has been toned down, in favour of a more rock-oriented sound. There are electric guitars laid over the trippy beats, almost guaranteed to speed up your pulse. The only flaw with it is that a few bits defy the synth that frames them. But in the best spots -- "Motor" and "Love Hides," for instance -- the synth adds a ghostly air to the driving melodies.
But the more familiar musical parts -- electronica and traditional instruments -- are better than ever. Yonderboi seems to have gained confidence and strength, and the expansive, polished sound of his music reflects that, along with orchestral strings that swell out into panoramic sound, and electronic flourishes that can be either quick beeps or watery sweeps.
While the flavour of "Splendid Isolation" is a bit different from Yonderboi's last album, those expecting an entrancing, elaborate experience will not be disappointed. Absolutely lovely.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid "Isolation", December 27, 2005
Not enough people heard Yonderboi's "Shallow and Profound." That's a shame, because the Hungarian wunderkind's enchanting debut was one of the most unique, entrancing downtempo albums seen in years.
Now we see the arrival of "Splendid Isolation," which takes that eclectic sound and expands it further. Blending Eastern-European folk with downtempo, rock and some trippy beats, Yonderboi creates one of the most striking dance albums of 2005.
The album opens with crows cawing, following by a melancholy snippet of violin music and ominous piano, sounding like it's emanating from an aged radio. Then suddenly the melody expands to orchestral levels, and a chorus of angelic voices sing out, "All we go... to hell!" over swelling strings.
From there on, Yonderboi's album follows its natural course -- delicate piano melodies mixed with soft beats and synth, organ-laced pop, guitar pop, and one outright rock song, "Were You Thinking Of Me?", which is ruled by energetic riffs and a solid, driving melody. This brief rock interlude feels a bit out of place, however.
Fortunately, Yonderboi then returns to what he does best, with the whirling, heart-racing electronica of "Trains in the Night," followed by stretches of yearning whirlwind dance, before coming full circle creatively with a pair of gentler, softer songs, and the parting message: "Even if you're victorious/you've got to break the chain of evil/with love..."
You have to give Yonderboi credit: After hitting the mark to perfection in his last album, he doesn't rest on his laurels. Artistically, that is.
"Splendid Isolation" has much the same vibe of "Shallow and Profound," but the jazz'n'lounge has been toned down, in favour of a more rock-oriented sound. There are electric guitars laid over the trippy beats, almost guaranteed to speed up your pulse. The only flaw with it is that a few bits defy the synth that frames them. But in the best spots -- "Motor" and "Love Hides," for instance -- the synth adds a ghostly air to the driving melodies.
But the more familiar musical parts -- electronica and traditional instruments -- are better than ever. Yonderboi seems to have gained confidence and strength, and the expansive, polished sound of his music reflects that, along with orchestral strings that swell out into panoramic sound, and electronic flourishes that can be either quick beeps or watery sweeps.
While the flavour of "Splendid Isolation" is a bit different from Yonderboi's last album, those expecting an entrancing, elaborate experience will not be disappointed. Absolutely lovely.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the few., January 3, 2006
This review is from: Splendid Isolation (Audio CD)
After a long wait of 5 years, the young Hungarian cult hero Yonderboi is finally back with a surprising album. Even though "Splendid Isolation" does not have the so called "lounge" vibe as his previous released longplayer "Shallow and Profound" did, this album does retain the typical down tempo melancholic, fresh, direct to the brain, makes you wonder, tunes we know from Yonderboi. This album is more layered, more mature, and more personal then his previous work. One of the few interesting original artists of the moment!!
P.S.: Incredibly beautiful album artwork from the unknown Vince Varga and Yonderboi himself.
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