Customer Reviews

Trickle

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Yes, this is different then Olive's first album, Extra Virgin. Do I love it any less? Do I love it any more? No. I simply love it differently.

While Extra Virgin was very much rooted in eccletic drum-n-bass beats, Trickle is more of a pop trip-hop affair .... one, i might add, composed beautifully. Ruth Ann's voice, once again, is deliciously palpable; I can think of few vocals as lucious and sweet as hers. The melodies in Trickle are more agreeable to airplay. Some may regard the new sound as more commercialized, but I humbly suggest these people are missing the finer points of this album. This is a marginally more up-beat album, and Olive makes no apologies for shedding some (note: not all) of the darker melodies of Extra Virgin. Their emotive expression has been perfectly preserved in slightly altered form; the lyrics of Trickle are more articulate, Ruth Ann's voice more refined, arrangements more calculated.

The bottom line is the beauty of Olive's first child is not lost on me with their new creation. Different? Without question (although not to the degree some reviewers here have expressed or implied). But Trickle must still be regarded as a beautiful album .... one that may likely appeal to a bigger audience then did Extra Virgin. Nothing wrong with that.

Like most of the other reviewers of this album, I thoroughly enjoyed Olive's debut, "Extra Virgin," and I was very excited about their new one. "Trickle" grew on me quickly, and I find myself liking it immensely, at least as much as the first one.

I greet complaints that it is pop-infused and catchy with this comment: so what? If Olive is a little less out there than some of the other trip-hop/electronica groups, a little more normal and down-to-earth, maybe they have the power to make the genre more accessible to listeners. I still enjoy the adventurous ones, like Sneaker Pimps, but I don't think staying somewhat conventional is any reason to deminish Olive's excellent sophomore effort. Sneaker Pimps may be more adventurous, but their sophomore effort fell short of thier debut. Olive reprises well, building on the success of their debut to create a high-quality album.

If I could give this album 4 1/2 stars, I would, only because it lacks some of the unique dreaminess on the first album, like we heard in "Miracle," "This Time", and "Falling." It takes the direction of the more direct, catchy songs like "You're Not Alone" and "You Are Nothing." But my point is that while I enjoyed the ambient soundscapes on the first one, I also enjoyed the catchy ones.

Highlights on this album include "I'm Not in Love," "Liberty," "Push," and "Beyond the Fray." I also enjoy the other songs, and in general, find this to be an album I can listen to from beginning to end. It's fun to listen to. It's far from typical pop, and if it drifts close to synth-pop, that's fine with me.

As a (self declared) electronic music junkie, I instantly loved Olive's first album "Extra Virgin" because it's not just beats, you've got real melodies and real music with an almost club worthy rhythm. If you like any of Everything But the Girl's recent work, you will love Olive. This group isn't quite as deep into electronic percussion; Olive manages to bring out an array of musical and vocal melodies that are almost emotional, like that giddy sensation you have in anticipation of a first date, or that horrible knot in your stomach the day after a break-up. I know, that sounds a bit over the edge, but that's about how powerful Olive's combination of music, lyrics and vocals are. Just dim the lights, sit back and listen.

Olive's music is not plagued by the endless sequencer loop syndrome - instead they manage to blend real melodies, bass and rhythm into music while using the tools of a less sophisticated electronic genre. Add that to lyrics that actually speak of love, life and emotions delivered by a smooth sultry voice, and we're describing a CD I have not gotten tired of since the day I got it.

"Tickle" is musically, emotionally and technically a step forward from their first album. They have made a small and subtle move away from the electronic thing, by allowing the melodies to carry the music a bit more than in their first album; but there is just enough rhythm to keep the "house music" side of me at peace. This album has a few more ballads than the previous one, and you will not be disappointed by the variety of tempos and styles, from just shy of Drum & Bass to melodic groove. The production of this album is a real winner: the dynamics in this CD work seamlessly with the music in the creation of the experience, from gentle to forceful and back. I could go on, but I would be rambling. You get my drift: I am very pleased with my new CD. If you're thinking of buying this one and don't have Olive's first album, you should consider getting it.

Although their style becomes more manifest--that is minimalistic, straight-forwardly structured, coated with ethereal melodies, and morphing between trip-hop and drum & bass--the edge that made an explosion out of "Extra Virgin" is relinquished for a poppier, more mainstream agreeableness that's almost reminiscent of "Ex- Virgin" Madonna. At first, the album would likely lose, or even bore, the listeners with its songs seemingly built in similar fashions; however, hopefully it'll grow on you. Notable tracks include "Love Affair," "Trickle," "I'm Not in Love" (she is), "Smile" (wait 'til the middle, and you'll hear a cool bridge section), and "Push"--the best, in my humbleness.

I was a little worried about purchasing this album at first because I know artists now-a-days tend to followup successful first albums with [junk]. But I had a good feeling about "Trickle." I'm glad I bought it, because it's just as good as the first album. I love the sultry sounds they brought into the album, like "Indulge Me" and "Smile." It's a really enjoyable album that varies with its pulsing beats and sweet sounds.

I had the same experience with this CD as I did with Extra Virgin. The first 2 times I listened to it, I thought that there really wasn't much to it. However, listening to it 3 times prompts an urge for the fourth which prompts a stronger urge for the fifth etc.....I would invite anyone that likes anything close to this type of music to listen to this CD 4-5 times and then try to put it away. I can't. The songs get better and better. Like a bag of Dorritos, you just can't eat one.

I bought "Extra Virgin" very soon after "You're Not Alone" was released and found only a handful of songs that I liked. I find it hard to believe that "Trickle" could receive negative reviews and I find it even harder to believe someone would feel "Extra Virgin" was a better album. Not only do I love every single song on "Trickle" I also feel that the lyrics and music is MUCH better than their debut. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a mixture of trip hop and electronica. "Trickle" is the best album I have bought all year, and to think I almost didn't even give it a chance due to my lack of expectations "Extra Virgin" gave me. I am now looking forward to the next CD Olive has to give us and I hope they just keep getting better and better!

After listening to this CD I got hooked and couldn't stop! Even the few more mellow songs that I thought weren't up to speed with the rest of the album soon grew irresistable to my ears. If you don't like the lyrics the music will more than make up for it- Olive's blend of pop/electronic is so harmonious and entrancing that they keep you coming back for more! Lush vocals and riveting guitar riffs carry "Trickle" to its climax. The brave boasts of layered trumpets and synth beats opening "Push" meld the haunting harmonies throughout the song into a unique and catchy personality. "Love Affair" also stands strong with its addicting chorus.

Every song has layers of original and captivating sound thanks to Tim Kellett. He even manages a fresh remake with "I'm not in Love", a brave and unique mix of the original in its own right. Besides the music, the real captivation of Olive is Ruth-Ann's smoothly sublime voice. To some it may seem not too boisterous or extreme, but it's one of the best things about Olive. This moody blend of beats, luscious harmonies and pulsing undertones will always be a fave of mine. If you're into synth and pop, give this Olive album a listen!

I was a big fan of Olive back when they released 'Miracle' in the UK. I found Ruth Anne's vocals irresistible and the lush accompaniment amazing - I waited on pins and needles for a new release from my beloved group...Finally, Trickle has been released.

I'm Not In Love, an amazing rendition of 10cc's '70's classic, receives an excellent take by Olive - stand out tracks on this album include 'Smile' - the opening chords of this song send a quick pulse through my body as if a classic is beginning. It's amazing. There has been talk that 'Love Affair' may become the second single off this record. This track is quite beautiful and captures the mood of the album. 'Beyond the Fray' is rather amazing, along with 'Push, my favorite track besides 'Smile.' The more you listen to this album, the more you fall in love with the melodies and beats of such a fantastic and vastly under-rated duo - I truly encourage anyone to give Olive a shot - you certainly won't be dissapointed!

Ok, ok...it pains me to give this cd 4 stars out of 5...I was even debating upon giving it a three. I've listened to this cd about 8 times since yesterday and I'm getting use to it. Upon first listen I was a little disappointed with the beats. This album is sooo different from their first album EXTRA VIRGIN which I LOOOOOVE. As I was listening to TRICKLE I kept comparing it to the songs on Extra Virgin. The new album has some hints of their predecessor but has a completely different feel. Ruth Ann is not as monontonous as on the first album and she actually sings with feeling. Nonetheless, what people called monotonous and unfeeling on the first album- I thoroughly enjoyed.

Extra Virgin to me was considered "trip hop". It was released in the same year as Lamb's debut LAMB. The beats were wicked, the bass was pumping and the songs were great. It was an album that wasn't really accessible to the masses. There really wasn't a mainstream feel to the album. Either you loved Olive or you didn't.

Trickle on the other hand, to me, is "trip-pop". It still has a trip hop feel to it...the basslines are still there, the beats are different...but I think this one has more of a pop feel to it. Maybe since signing to Maverick, Olive wanted to make this album accessible to a whole mass of people.

I'm not putting down TRICKLE. In fact, I like the album. I just wanted MORE. More of what I heard from the first album...MORE MORE MORE. This album has a whole new feel. With each new listen, I pick up on different things and instruments.

With this album, I think Olive will reach a whole new audience. But if this is your first Olive cd, please purchase their first album entitled EXTRA VIRGIN. My favorite tracks on this album are TRICKLE, INDULGE ME, SPEAK TO ME, and TRUST YOU. "I'm Not in Love" is also a really cute song. (I secertly wish that more of the songs had the feel of Trickle...^___^)

I'm slowly learning the lyrics and I find myself singing along. This album definately is worth getting and also worth the wait. They tried a different formula and approach to this ablum and I'm sure no one will be THAT disappointed. GO GET THE ALBUM!!! =)

If you enjoyed TRICKLE or EXTRA VIRGIN, check out Lamb's cd entitled LAMB and their newest release FEAR OF FOURS. Also, check out Esthero's BREATH FROM ANOTHER....these are all great albums and you will love them. :D