Search - Cyann & Ben :: Spring

Wow!

skytwo | Boston | 03/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a remarkable and unique album, as low-key as it is intense. It's difficult to categorize, as it contains elements of elctronica, folk, shoe-gazing (a la My Bloody Valentine), and rock. All complemented by haunting vocals and an atmospheric, moody sound.Not what you'd call party music, but great for solo listening. I'll be looking out for more from these artists, but in the meantime, this release will be on heavy rotation."

Ursus The White Reviews Cyann & Ben's "Spring"

Ursus The White | http://ursusreviewsalbums.blogspot.com | 02/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cyann & Ben are the newest act that have sprung forth from the up and coming French label, Gooom - the same people that last year brought us M83's bombastic and beautiful "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghost". Gooom's two most promising prospects could both easily fall into the category of "ambient", but where M83's atmospherics were huge and bombastic, blowing me away with their My Bloody Valentine-inspired electronic shoegaze, Cyann & Ben opt for the quieter reaches of my imagination, lulling me into a trance with gentle guitar picking and heavenly piano tickling. The drums add just the right touch to drive some of the more climactic songs along, but mostly stay quietly understated and light in the back of the mix, when they're even present. Add to that some lushly orchestrated keyboard arrangements, modest touches of computer blips & beeps, and the delicate, ethereal vocals of both the male and female halves of Cyann & Ben. What you end up with is a work of staggering virtuosity and brilliance. Imagine what the sound of flowers blooming would be like, and then listen to the title track off this record, "Spring", and you probably won't be too far off the mark. It's beautiful - right down the same alley as Sigur Rós, if I may namedrop, but not quite as cinematic in scope...and you can understand the lyrics."

Completely blown away.

HeidiKakes | NY | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cyann & Ben's Spring completely blew me away. It's a unique mix of electronic, shoegaze and piano-driven rock. At times its reminiscent of Sparklehorse's sweet melodic rock masterpieces while at others as luscious and dramatic as Slowdive's brand of shoegaze. Throw in a piano, gorgeous dual male and female vocals and a cinematic, film-noir flair and you have Cyann & Ben.



I can't believe I never heard of this band until a week ago. How can music like this go virtually unnoticed by the mainstream or even semi-mainstream indie music community. Wow."