A very original album.
stewart johnson | i have answered this question before | 01/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For many people the pleasure of listening to a song comes from their appreciation of the music itself. These people make up the majority of our society and based that information alone Midnight Orchestra's "Digital Savior" should be a hit! For the rest of you (myself included) who analyze a song or album as a completed work of art, Digital Savior isn't going to impress us as easily. One thing we must take into consideration are the words. Is this artist/group a lyricist? Do the words they write and/or sing actually make you think? Are the lyrics predictable? Are they well thought out or do they sound like they were just thrown together? To answer the last four questions when evaluating Digital Savior I have to say yes and NO! No the writer of the lyrics is not a "lyricist, no the lyrics don't make you think, yes the lyrics are predictable no the lyrics are not well thought out, and yes they do sound like they were just thrown together. At this point you'd assume that I didn't enjoy this album. Strangely enough you'd be completely wrong. The innovative production by Tim Trudeau of Sackcloth Fashion is so superior that it can keep the attention of even the most critical listener. The whole album tends to stick to the same few instruments and Chords but amazingly enough the unique drum patterns and varying approaches in vocal delivery kept my ears pleased for the majority of my listening experience. The First Song, which is the title track, is both laid back and aggressive at the same time. The pounding drum loop compliments the dark vocals and sets the mood for the rest of the album. A gothic/industrial experience with the bang of a hip hop record and the intensity of a drum and bass project. The songs I appreciated the most were "God", and "I'm a lie" which believe it or not is pretty much just a hip-hop song that was very well written and performed. Most folks don't like it when the end of a movie is given away, so to avoid ruining your listening experience I'll refrain from giving to many details about the pleasant surprises on Midnight Orchestra's Digital Savior. Sonically speaking the unique and innovative techniques used offset the shortcomings lyrically and musically enough for me to dub this album a "Must Buy!""
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1