Customer Reviews

Third Mall From Sun

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With its mega-glossy package and equally spiffy production, Third Mall From the Sun is certainly an impressive work. What's more impressive is that its core message isn't lost behind the smooth basslines, pulsating rhythms, glitchy electronics, and blatant samples. Yes, samples. This is almost a return to the Snog of 1992 (when they sampled PWEI sampling James Brown - probably a first in piracy history). This time around, they rip off everybody from KMFDM to Lassigue Bendthaus to gospel records, all to great effect. All said and done, Snog was one of the most fiercely original bands of the 1990s, especially in electronic music, and I truly hope they continue with their subversion of Western society.

"There's an old story that says you can't kill a frog by dropping him in boiling water. He reacts so quickly to the sudden heat that he jumps out before he's hurt. But if you put him in cold water and then warm it up gradually, he never decides to jump - until it's too late. By then, he's cooked... " The Australian act curiously know as Snog, serves up another anti-corporate cheeseburger in the shape of 'Third Mall from the Sun'. David Thrussel, the mind and brawn behind electro's best-kept secret, conjures up another cynical masterpiece, once again exposing capitalism in its blatant, ugly glow. The notable thing about Snog is their uncanny ability to push a message through the music. Thrusell's simple, and carefully crafted lyrical commentary breathes thought-inducing realization upon the passive, and ultimately submissive listener. Preaching his words of suggestion, Thrussel's revelations are surrounded with back-breaking percussion and strange, intricate breaks in the crafty chaos that unfolds throughout the release. This is the latest edition to the under-populated 'Intelligent Electro' category. Songs like 'Late Twentieth Century Boy', 'Are you Normal Enough', and 'Old Antlantis' speak volumes against the looming plague of consumerism and lack of reality awareness. While more upbeat and diverse in styles than last year's album 'Buy Me, I'll Change your Life', 'Third Mall from the Sun' demonstrates precisely what the band is capable of in terms of programming and vocal delivery. Every verse Thrussel mutters rings true while complex arrangements wrap each track into neat bundles of clarity and gingerly-induced epiphanies. With carefully placed samples and beautifully composed melodies serving as framework, each track is brilliantly crafted with the utmost care and attention. The music often takes on a crunchy persona, reeling one in with its infectious beats and dirty grooves. Humorous samples and tricky interludes separate this work from the glaring hoard of impostors while underhanded lyrics effectively drive Thrussel's message home. Tracks such as 'Mind and Purpose' convoy back to the Snog sound from 'Buy Me...' while 'Land of the Bland' adds an air of stability in the form of slopped-on chaos and lowly realization. This is perhaps one of the best electro releases this year, although I am reluctant on slipping it so casually into this category. Thrussel and company excel in contriving a true-to-life vision of the invasion of man and its conflict with materialism and technology.

An album so diverse it makes the band's previous outing, itself infamous for its cross-genre bending, seem as adventurous as Cheez Whiz. Coupling little bits of many different types of music into a coherent whole is no mean feat, but Snog pull it off excellently. Add to this innovative streak some of the bleakest (and funniest) commentary on post-industrial western civilization this side of Bill Hicks, Tom Tomorrow, or Cop Shoot Cop. Put in a blender and puree on high, and yes indeed you have a surefire winner. May be too political for some people... may also be too odd for some people. But then, if everyone only bought original and profound music, how would the members of Limp Bizkit eat?

i don't necessarily find the context of the above line (from "slide into extinction") all that funny, but i do find it terribly amusing when said outside the song. but don't buy this because you think it's funny. buy it because it kicks butt.

Borrowing elements, and sounds, from David Thrussels other projects, like Soma, and from other bands like EBN, the new Snog album paints a funny-cause-it-hurts picture of a world well past the beginning of the end.

One of the best Snog albums i've heard. Great noises and samples mixed with Snog's usual breed of dark and melodic music. Combined with the despair and frustration in the vocals and lyrics, this album is worth far more to me than what i paid for it. Highly recommended.

What can I say? David Thrussell is ... brilliant ... This CD is infectious, groovin', sociopolitically conscious, and not just a bit sarcastic--all at the same time. Wow. If you've never heard SNOG, you should probably start with LIES INC., but if you've got some extra credit to burn, add this one on! (If not, then buy it later.)

as for that one guy who said 'overrated' i dunno. just listen to the music yourself and ignore everybody else. but pay attention to me(haha). i love this album. it's so easygoing, great beats, lots of weird noises and layers and layers of cushy effects that are oh so pleasing to listen to. everything flows wonderfully, i'm just 'captivated' when i listen to it. great industrial, smooth, catchy, danceable, awesome. it's like what the snog guy says, don't drown in the mire, wallow in it.. if you're feeling down about the drudgery of your everyday life or anything just throw this on and relax. you'll be in a better mood by the time you're done.

This is a great Snog cd. I am especially fond of the "Normal People" song and "Slide into Extinction." They sound basically like industrial to me. I got this cd from a friend, and I highly recommend Snog to ANYONE who is different and enjoys industrial music.

First: this is not indie, house, or even techno. This is darn good, straight industrial music not unlike Spahn Ranch and lighter Sister Machine Gun. The others overrate it--most would still turn tail and make fun of the low vocal stylings and simple lyrics. Industrial has never been known for subtlety, however, and having said that, this is highly listenable with a biting message, both worthwhile. Highlights include track 2 and the happily apocalyptic tracks near the end about relinquishing all control and submitting blindly to corporations. Yeehaw, what fun. Obviously, the liner notes are a riot--great art, parodies, and even a Mussolini quote thrown in for good measure make for notes that would easily make my top five liner list. I prefer this album to the other I've heard, and I look forward to more tongue-in-cheek, mildly intelligent music that won't make your ears bleed from them.