Search - Animus Amour :: Don't Run Unless God Says

Be Real, Be Free, Be Love.

12/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Richard West and Jeremy Jones were definately on to something when they made this piece. it's an "emotional piece of electronica" as they described in the cd booklet. this album takes you to new levels of emotional awareness. I found it very soothing and relaxing, great after a long hard day. this shamanic piece is not to be missed! "Be Real, Be Free, Be Love.""

Good, but not nearly ground breaking.

SRFireside | Houston, TX United States | 11/30/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Interesting CD. The duo comprises of former Shamen bandmate and DJ Richard West (Mr. C) and Jeremy Jones (not the famous snowboarder). They got together to do this project apparently to create music that frees the mind from the shackles of terrestrial living... or something like that. At least that's according to the insert booklet, which details the duo's chance meeting and the evolution of the creation of this CD. Essentially what you get is something between ambient electronic music and the EDM style electro, which is highly synthetic sounding rhythms and sounds designed to put you in a trance-like state.

In other words nothing entirely new. Brian Eno has been sucessfully experimenting with ambient music for decades. "Revolutionary" soundscapes were announced with groups like Babble years before Animus Amoure. There is absolutely nothing trend setting or revolutionary to this album. I guess what I'm saying is don't believe all the hype the CD insert pronounces and just regard the album just as it is... music.

So does it put you in a trance like state of higher consciousness when listening? In a word... no (unless you use some form of 'help' to get you there, which would be cheating). However that dosen't discount the CD as a failure. Far from it. What you do have is some really nice environmental tracks you can easily lay back and relax with. There are hits and misses in my opinion, but overall it's good music.

You might notice there only being seven tracks on this CD. Don't worry about getting only half the music because the shortest song clocks in at over eight minutes, with the average around 10-11. Some of the songs kinda go long in my opinion, and that includes understanding the concept of ambient music. Interestingly enough some about half of the songs are separated in two, even three parts. So much that if you are inclined you can split the tracks into separate songs with mininal loss to the pacing or feel of the music. Thus giving you a CD with around 12 tracks instead of seven.

In spite of the subtle indignance I pick up on in the liner notes I actually really like the booklet insert. You get pages of information regarding their philosophy and theories behind not only the music project, but life views as well. While I might not agree with everything said (the science of spirituality and such) I do appreciate being welcomed into their psyche. The booklet also contains in depth detail on the creation of each song and the method behind the meaning. You will know EXACTLY what the song titles mean and where they were going with the song.

There are some pretty good tracks here. Dum Spiro Spero I think is my favorite. It has a nice steady rhythm and a good hook behind it as well nice atmospheric effects with the synthesizers. Ghost is another good track. Life is one of those tracks than be split into two good ones, the first laid back and the second more aggressive. 1+1=7 kind of goes on with no rudder to steer it anywhere meangful in my opinion. I wasn't a fan or And on either, though I can't remember exactly why (maybe it goes on and on along the same vein as 1+1=7).

So the big question is would I recommend it? Considering the prices I am seeing for it... yes. I wouldn't endorse this album at full CD prices, but as a discount find it's a gem. If you like rhythmic (electro) ambient music then you got your fix right here. Mood music lovers will find solace on this album as well. The rest of you it will depend on what you look for in electronic music. I'm glad I have this album."