|
-
- VIRTUALITY PRESS: REVIEWS
Page Three (M through O):
|
-
- MANDRAGORA:
- Self-proclaimed
'Dr Pepper Afficionado', Scott Mosher has an interesting release
on his hands. WHile the overall
vibe is very prog rockish, some parts are much heavier than you'd
expect from prog rock and there are many electronic and looping
elements more common to dance music. Dr. Mosher calls it 'ambient
neo-progressive cyber rock'. Despite the uniqueness pf this album,
the overall orchestration feels formulaic and becomes irksome
after several tracks. Every song seems to have the same beat
(tempo and time signature) which makes the album seem to drone
on. The other major problem with the construction is thatr most
all the vocal lines are placed over a chord by either the guitar
or synth that acts as a sort of pedal tone. There are exceptions
to this, such as in parts of "Re-Define" but they are
rare. The formula does work to bring the lyrics to the forefront
but a single sustained type of stimulus causes the listener to
become numb to it. Scott's talent as a visual artist is worth
mentioning here as he put together quite a bit of art to produce
one of the most elaborate booklets I've seen. IF you're looking
for a unique disc, are intrigued by the fusion of prog and electronic
or like to support independents, then pick this disc up, but
I'm not sure who else it might appeal too.
-
- MARGEN MAGAZINE
02/2002:
- Sci-fi-prog?
Therefore surely, at least the conceptual line of this work follows
this philosophy. There are here a lot of references of space
rock, electronic and contemporary music... and melodic rock,
sometimes in a metal vein that remind of Rush. Something new
and vibrant, structured like tectonic plaques that move and collide
each other provoking earthquakes of "cyber neo-progressive
rock". Powerful and delicate at the same time because the
production on this disc is very clean and crisp. Scott Mosher
have produced an excellent and original album. Very good. - Marcos
VARELA (margen #24)
- MEDIA READER:
- MUSIC: Scott
Mosher! What a name! Solo-artist self-proclaimed as 'ambient
neo-progressive cyber-rock' (it says so ON the CD packaging!).
WHile the '80's prog-rock genre has not particularly flooded
enough turn-of-the-century contemporaries to render any cliche's,
there's not much ground to break despite the technology jump
from the 2600 to the X-box. During the instrumentals, I feel
like I'm watching an interlude moment in a really trying television
episode of The Highlander. During the tracks with vocals I feel
pretty much the same, but Rush's Geddy Lee is behind me whispering
sweet nothings into my ear. Mosher's got an ear for leftist politics,
mostly based on environmental issues. While it certainly adds
an interesting twist to his delivery, I can't help but think
of it as dogmatic rather than educational. (2/out of 4).
- \DESIGN: Scott Mosher! What a name! Also a self-proclaimed
graphic artist, Mosher takes the liberty to grace us with Bladerunner-esque
graphic paintings depicting the urban decay our world of SUV's,
littering and general disrespect of Mama Earth will lead u sto
(or so says the essay entitled 'Virtuality: The Cover Concept...
Go Behind the Ambient Mind' in the liner notes). There's a lot
fo smokestacks to pump one full of phallic imagery, lots of clouds
and lots of space stuff. The center spread has lightning, pyramids,
rings, stars, the ocean, and a bunch of other mystical stuff
that's something I mgith get on a fantasy novel. On the inside
back cover there's a wolf with a man's body sitting cross-legged
on a lake balancing two globes, one in each hand. All the handiwork
of Scott Mosher. (2/out of 4, for humor value?)
-
- METAL AGES:
- The words I
write will hardly do Scott Mosher's "Virtuality" album
justice. Not that it's the greatest most superb piece of material
to ever hit the music scene, but more so because of the time,
energy, thought and absolute dedication that is evidently forged
into this project. The liner notes themselves are a piece of
work within itself. Scott not only composed and performed everything
on this album (minus lead vocals, one guitar solo and one bass
solo) but he also created all of the artwork for the CD. Multi-talented
indeed. Combining art and music to bring forth his beliefs, opinions
and general outlook on life itself, Scott serves up over 70 minutes
of music to the masses.
- The tongue-in-cheek
genre description on the back of the CD, quite frankly, describes
this album to a tee. It reads, "File under: Ambient Neo-Progressive
Cyber Rock." How's that for a description? I would even
say throw some trance and electronica elements into the mix as
well. The album is about half instrumental and at times reminds
me of those videos you can buy in the store. You know, the ones
where there are different 3D animations and sequences on the
screen with the cool, relaxing ambient music in the background.
Soothing.
- For the songs
that have vocals I liken them a lot to the band Rush. That's
mainly due to the fact that vocalist Todd Corso has a heavy Geddy
Lee influence, my opinion anyway. Scott even throws some heavily
effect laden vocals into the song "The Human: Machine".
With its unique verse/chorus contrast I find myself drawn to
that song if I were to pick a favorite.
- Compare this
album to other bands out there you ask? Forget it. If you can't
somewhat picture what the music sounds like based on my description
thus far then you just have to hear it for yourself! One thing
I am trying to
figure out is how Mr. Mosher was able to sink such money into
this professional sounding/looking CD being that he's released
this album himself. However the will and way came about, kudos
to you Mr. Mosher! (8.25/10 stars)
-
- METALCORE
FANZINE:
- Cool metal band
with a touch of Dream Theatre to it. Clean vocals rule when the
music is played this way. Quality songs and production is sharp
as well. Fans of Dream Theatre and fans of prgressive rock would
like this as I did. Info: ninja@mindspring.com
- METAL JUDGEMENT:
- Wow! This is
a really excellent demo. I would call it Blade Runner meets Dream
Theater. Scott Mosher calls it ambient, neo-progressive, cyber
rock. Whatever you call it, it looks and sounds great. The artwork
is all original work by Scott through his design studio, the
Ambient Mind. All of the music is written and played by Scott
with the exception of a few guest solos by friends.
- The CD is the
embodiment of Scott Mosher's vision of music and art. I have
to applaud Mosher's ability to capture all of his feelings, thoughts
and emotions in this one CD. The computer graphics have a really
cool sci-fi feel.
Pictures of smoke stacks, naked women and pyramids basque in
an orange, star-laden sky. You could be on Mars or in NJ with
during a sunset. Definitely take some time to check out his website.
The site is well organized and has everything you would want
on it (except porn).
- The music is
both ambient and progressive. At his most inspired, Mosher sounds
like Dream Theater or Queensryche. Guitars and keyboards intertwine
and produce power pop with musical integrity. However, to me,
ambient means boring. I have to admit there are plenty of long
sleepy passages on this CD which threatened to send me to a different
kind of dream theater. The music is very accessible and has good
pop rock sensibility for the most part, but his love for ambiance
causes Mosher to let parts go on for too long without change.
I suspect this is due to the fact that he did everything himself
and programmed a lot of stuff on the sequencer. It is far too
easy to repeat passages over and over when you program them into
the computer. And it is far too easy to be complacent about editing
to your music when you are the only one playing in the band.
- The absolute
worst part of this CD is the drum machine which clicks away without
feeling or emotion. The digital
perfection constantly exposes Mosher as a bedroom genius. The
absence of any outside influence on Mosher is apparent. You are
in his world. As far as demos go, he has done a great job. It
seems that so much is invested in this CD in terms of money,
artwork and time, so I am saddened by the fact that he didn't
use a real drummer. I know some people like that mechanical feel
and sound, but I am not one of those people. I like real people
playing instruments.
- Definitely go
to Mosher's website and check out his music. It's good, but,
sadly, It's not metal enough (hence, a one
skull deduction). However, he has really showcased his skills
as a musician, programmer and graphic artist. (6/10)
-
- METAL MANIACS
(JULY 2002 Issue):
This is definitely where the blackest of the black sheep comes
out of the herd. VIRTUALITY, a composition of sorts by Scott
Mosher, proves to be one of the most progressive, chill-out 'mellowmetal'
records I've heard in a while. This record is such a mind-bending
space excursion it's mind-boggling. This isn't exactly my main
thing, but as far as technical, artistic, and textured abilities
go, this guy's armed with those special space-age crayoloa's
and paints some crazy pictures! The artwork alone is remarkably
well-done, and the layout couldn't be more perfect for it's surreal
abstraction of reality and twisted perceptions of sound and structure.
It's one of those records where it's not just songs, they
each have chapters, subtitles, layers and piles of technical
jargon. Jesus! This is the kind of stuff that makes you visualize
shit while you're just sitting there listening, or somewhow,
makes you feel something, even when it's just 'whatever the fuck
is on in the background.' [I heard this disc and it made me think
of The Jetsons. I think it had something to do with the futuristic
industrial cover. 'The Jetsons build a power plant' - Liz].
- I'm not a big
fan of the vocals, but they grew on me. It's like the Geddy Lee
complex, if you catch my whiff. There's actually a whole lot
of 'Rush-ish' stuff happening here. This feels like what should
b een THE MATRIX soundtrack instead of all that techno be-bop
shit. Mentally driving beats and layers wind their way through
themselves like a tank of electric eels. Classic metal solos
and programmed drums drive this like it could not only power
the aforementioned modern techno-thriller but goddamn,
Rocky could be jogging to this shit too! It's inspiring, mellow,
and full of building energy. This is for fans of KING CRIMSON,
DREAM THEATER, RUSH and the rest of all the bands I'm supposed
to use to describe this record. Even some of the New-Age head
music is here with all the keybaords and blended sounds. I'm
by no means the best one to review this record, but it came to
me, and it is some exceptional shit so I did my best. I'll accept
any condemnation from all you apparent REAL critics, bu t I won't
give a shit. I have the CD and you don't.
-
- METAL OBSERVER
ONLINE:
- Scott Mosher?
With this name you would rather expect Thrash or Thrashcore or
something of the likes, but nope. The self-given categorization
of Ambient Neo-Progressive Cyber-Rock sounds pretty bulky, but
as strange as it may sound, you really can put it this way, because
it basically features the different styles of this solo-project
pretty accurately.
- The opening
intro-instrumental "Upon The Frontiers Of Infinite Night"
I somehow feel reminded of Jean-Michel Jarre, very atmospheric
keyboards, but not in the usual intro-style, rather like a song.
After that an e-guitar joins in, supporting the keys. A mixture
from Jarre-esque Ambient-atmo-sound and some guitars plus vocals,
which sound a little fragile (the comparison with Geddy Lee in
fact comes surprisingly close), but fits the music very well
is what the title-track "Virtuality" is bringing us
and even though the guitars never come to the foreground (apart
from the solo), the song convinces fully by the atmosphere that
it creates, strong one!
- Also the rest
of the album is borne by the combination of the spheric keyboards
and electric guitars, sometimes instrumental, sometimes with
vocals (where those of guest-singer Todd Corsa are much more
to my liking than the at times included passages with Scott himself),
but always atmospheric. As mentioned before, the best description
might be Jean-Michel Jarre with mire guitars and drums and vocals.
To find something
better is damn hard...
- For bone-dry
Metallers "Virtuality" is not suited, neither for purists,
because especially the spheric keyboards are not everybody's
cup of tea, but if you want to keep it calmer, then "Virtuality"
is a very interesting and for sure strong album, because it invites
you to dream and float away, but still with good solos and guitar-parts! Also
more than remarkable is the brilliant artwork (in this case the
whole booklet), which is top-notch, so the whole package is right!
-
- METAL RULES!
- Wow. Probably
the best packaging by an indie I have seen in ages. Extremely
top notch, professional in all areas. Your eyes are greeted by
a sea/space-scape with factory towers belching smoke into the
red sky. Very cool. The cover encloses a 14 page, full colour
booklet, with lyrics, liner notes, an essay, the artists bio,
footnotes, all beautifully designed and integrated into a dozen
or so computer generated images. Most of the images have a similar
theme of the environment, the future, technology and so on. It
reminds me a bit of something Gamma Ray would do but a darker
and not as cartoonish. Very impressive. The packaging and lyrics
leaves no doubt to Mr. Moshers political stance. For what it
is worth, I disagree with many of his opinions and feel politics
don't really have a place in music BUT having said that music
especially rock 'n' roll has always been a place of political
protest (and awareness) so it is interesting to see a whole CD
with a strong theme, and one that the artist obviously feels
very passionately about. Scott is the ultimate one-man and. He
did it all, lyrics, composition, artwork, design, performing
all instruments, and the man is an incredible talent no matter
what I think of his politics! He has some help from Todd Corsa
on vocals and in some places guitar as well.
- VIRTUALITY is
a twelve track, minute CD that is more of an ambient prog rock/metal
musical soundscape rather
than 12 individual songs with unique identity. It might have
been just me but it seemed that parts, (just little parts) like
a guitar riff or keyboard swirl would show up again and again
adding to feel of continuity between songs. There are lots of
keyboards and synthesized sounds on this disc, some in a very
riff-oriented style but mostly an underlying swash of texture
that might usually be provided by a rhythm guitar. The programmed
drums are just there to do the job nothing more nothing less.
It was very hard to categorize this CD and in fact Scott mentions
that in his liner notes. Maybe that's why I liked it, it is atypical
and therefore sounds quite refreshing and unique. However, when
you try to embrace something so personal and intimate as this
CD if you are not on board, it lacks the emotional connection.
Therefore although dazzled by the brilliance of it all I was
left a bit emotional unattached, feeling many of the songs were
too similar. Of course, that is the entire point, the cohesion
of his artistic vision of "spiritual energy and therein
is the abstract concept of the ambient mind" is remarkable
however, because I don't share that vision that's why it fell
short of top marks. Regardless of your stance I strongly recommend
you check this CD out, it could be one of the most interesting
things you hear this year. (3.75/5)
-
- METAL UNION:
- And so is uttered
forth the most unusual thing this issue. A mixture of soundscapes,
progressive metal, and futuristic world, this release is definitely
one of most original pieces of work I've ever heard. Although
not really my bag, I really appreciate this, because when you
turn it up, it's mesmerizing. The keyboards wash over everything,
and the effected vocals are excellent. Granted, this is something
I put on in a dark room or while going to sleep, but it's still
great. There seems to be a bit of RUSH influence - everyone that's
heard this that I've shown it to says that, at least. Maybe it's
just the way things are arranged. Who knows? I can't say much
more than what I've already said, though, because I'm just not
familiar enough with this kind of progressive music to be truly
informed of what's going on with this.
-
- MUSIC STREET
JOURNAL:
- Scott Mosher
is an artist of considerable talent and ideals. The liner notes
to his CD list a very extensive list of environmental, social
and other idealistic charities that Mosher supports. Quite the
renaissance man, Mosher is not only a musician, but also a graphic
artist. Does that mean that his music suffers from lack of attention?
Far from it, that form's representation on this CD has strong
prog leanings with a great original and unique style. The material
does hearken back to other artists, most notably Rush and Hawkwind,
but the tapestry that Mosher weaves really just shares a little
with those sounds. Mosher also does the vast majority of the
performances on this album, joined only in places by Todd Corsa
and Mickey James. You will not hear another CD quite like this
one, and I mean that in the best of ways. For info on getting
the CD stop by Mosher's homepage at http://www.theambientmind.com/virtuality.
- Track by Track
Review
- Upon The Frontiers
of Infinite Night: Beginning atmospheric, melody begins to unfold
at first in a rather Michael Oldfield oriented way, then it turns
heavy. As the intensity explodes it becomes somewhat metallic
this is a fairly brief instrumental.
- Virtuality:
A keyboard fanfare starts the cut, but the bass line comes in
in an almost '80's metal style. The vocals call to mind Geddy
Lee just a little, but in a somewhat lower register. That brings
a Rushish sort of feel to the piece. The instrumental break is
both tasty and inspired, adding strong prog leanings back into
the mix. Although the Rush influences are strong, the song is
really unique.
- The Human Machine:
This one starts out slowly, gradually building on its simple
basis by adding both instrumentation and complexity. The vocals
on the verse are in the form of slowed-down spoken voice Ala
Rush's Caress of Steel's narration. The Rush influences are definitely
strong here, as well, but with some other unplaceable prog stylings
finishing the picture. After a time a break ensues with a Celtic
based percussion mode. This is a very cool song.
- A Season Of
Fire: Another instrumental, this one begins with a keyboard flourish
and starts a building process from there. As the other instruments
enter the, intensity soars as the jam continues. Rushish influences
surface at many times but with a backdrop that feels more like
ELP and even Tomita at times. As the second movement begins a
Hawkwindesque drone takes the piece, the sheets of keys begin
to encircle the listener. A very Rushish jam ensues from there,
but the Hawkish tendencies remain. After a time a triumphant
sounding prog jam replaces all that. This is a great track with
plenty of changes.
- Attillou Sunrise:
Sedate keyboard tones begin this one. Another instrumental, it
is a delicate and gentle piece that works and wanders very carefully
around its beginning style. The only complaint is that this piece
is a little long.
- Re-Define: More
rock just a bit in the mode of '80's metal bands like Europe
starts this cut. The Rushisms only show up on the vocals of this
one. As the cut carries on it changes, though and there are some
considerably meaty segments.
- The Dreaming
Eye: Beginning as a fairly sedate electronically based jam, the
power quickly jumps and more of the processed spoken vocals come
in. The jam gets quite interesting and energized as it carries
on. Particularly intriguing is the shift into the second major
movement when the cut is washed over by a sedate, calming keyboard
segment that borders on fusion. Then it starts jumping in bursts
from there before screaming out full on. This one just keeps
evolving and is one of the strongest pieces on the CD. It is
one that shows a definite sense of unique identity.
- Sometime After
Midnight: Coming in with a slightly off-kilter rhythmic structure,
this instrumental follows patterns of sound in an organic, but
somewhat quirky jam. It shows the disc just getting better as
this piece is even stronger than the jam that came before. It
drops to a slower segment and follows that through to almost
a full stop. A very gradual buildup ensues as the song begins
to rise from the ashes. That guitar work on this one at times
seems to take on a slight Howeish texture. Eventually a rapid-fire,
overdrive speed jam take the piece into new territory.
The Promise of Truth: Starting off with a prog style that is
at once a bit mysterious while still triumphant. This one really
makes a strong entrance. It drops to just keys, then begins a
more pop-oriented prog song structure to continue - think Asia.
This piece is not as strong as some of the other material here.
- Shores of A
Cosmic Ocean: This instrumental, as the title suggests, begins
with atmospheric keys slowly coming in, as if washing on a shore.
They build, then eventually move back out much as they entered.
- Infinity Burns:
Keys also starts this instrumental, and as the guitar enters
it adds a lot of dramatic flair to the piece. It builds in a
strong, somewhat hard-edged prog mode, but never wanders too
far from its main theme.
- Sorrow In A
World Of Darkness: Beginning much like Hawkwind, a metallic sort
of transformation takes the track. The vocals bring back the
Rushish leanings. After a time the composition moves into the
next movement, one of only keys in an intricate sort of mode
at times, almost feeling like butterflies flitting about. This
feeling does not last long, however, as a hard-edged, almost
Pink Floyd oriented sound comes in, punctuated by neo-classical
frantic jamming. This eventually resolves down into something
a bit more settling again. Then it just builds on pre-existing
themes for a time. Eventually, a percussive buildup takes the
cut again and the Rush leanings return once again. Another change
pulls it into a more fusion based variant on that section to
continue. It drops down to atmospheric keys in a segment that
calls to mind the melodic sedate side of Hawkwind to take both
the track and album to its conclusion.
-
- MUZIKMAN
REVIEW:
- Scott Mosher
is a new world artist. He is a multi-faceted talent that not
only creates visionary musical journeys; he is a graphic artist,
website designer, multi-talented musician, and above alla soul
on earth with a purpose. He goes far beyond his music in his
music. He has a vision, a voice to be heard and strong opinions
and beliefs that are projected through his potent musical translations.
- You will discover
Mosher's picturesque worlds through the graphics, words, and
commentary in the CD booklet of "Virtuality." All of
those aspects of his work are pushed through a portal in time
created in each song of ambient progressive guitar oriented music.
Most of the music is instrumental. When vocals are used they
are appropriately placed between the notes to emphasize the meaning
of the story. His guest bass player Todd "shreedy gee"
Corsa serves up vocals that all "Rush" fans will recognize.
Notice the play on words for his nickname, Geddy Lee is the obvious
intimation here. He effectively uses layers of atmospheric keyboards,
perfectly placed sequencing of percussion, and rousing guitar
parts to blast you off in your own personal starship to a musical
void just waiting for you to inhabit.
- His website
is a tribute to all of his talents, so make sure you check it
out. I expect a lot more from Mosher's corner of the world in
the years to come. There aren't that many people out there with
a multitude of talents that have the ability to harness and control
it all properly to make a convincing presentation like this.
This CD is just
the tip of the iceberg for this man. I really enjoyed every moment
that this music had to offer. To fully experience this you must
put on the CD, read the liner notes, look at the images, and
browse his website. Scott Mosher is the epitome of the new world
man (thanks again Rush), he is a 21st century Leonardo Da Vinci
just waiting to
be discovered. This CD is a fine place to start the trip that
I am sure you will all love to go on.
- Rating- 3.5/4
-
- OGAM MAGAZINE:
- I couldn't even
finish listening to one entire track from this solo artist and
it's not that he's not good at what he does. As a matter of fact,
he knows his electronic toys rather well, I just think this kind
of stuff is better suited for movies and sci-fi tv shows. This
atmospheric rock is just not my kind of music, but Scott is very
multi-talented, he also is good at producing an excellent product!
-
- OPEN UP AND
SAY AH REVIEW:
- The words I
write will hardly do Scott Mosher's "Virtuality" album
justice. Not that it's the greatest, most superb piece of material
to ever hit the music scene, but more so because of the time,
energy, thought, and absolute dedication that is evidently forged
into this project. The liner-notes themselves are a piece of
work within itself. Scott not only composed and performed everything
on this album (minus lead vocals, one guitar solo, and one bass
solo), but he also created all of the artwork for the CD. Multi-talented
indeed.
- Combining art
and music to bring forth his beliefs, opinions, and general outlook
on life itself, Scott serves up over seventy minutes of music
to the masses. The tongue-in-cheek genre description on the back
of the CD, quite frankly, describes this album to a tee. It reads,
"File under: Ambient Neo-Progressive Cyber Rock." How's
that for a description- I would even say throw some trance and
electronica elements into the mix as well.
- The album is
about half instrumental and, at times, reminds me of those videos
you can buy in the store. You know, the ones where there are
different 3-D animations and sequences on the screen with the
cool, relaxing ambient music in the background. Soothing. For
the songs that have vocals, I liken them a lot to the band Rush.
That is mainly due to the fact that vocalist Todd Corso has a
heavy Geddy Lee influence, my opinion anyway.Scott even throws
some heavily effect-laden vocals into the song "The Human:
Machine" With its unique verse/chorus contrast, I find myself
drawn to this song, if I were to pick a favorite.
- Compare this
album to other bands out there, you ask- Forget it. If you cannot
somewhat picture what the music sounds like based on my description
thus far, then you just have to hear it for yourself. One thing
I am trying to figure out is how Mr. Mosher was able to sink
such money into this professional sounding and looking CD, being
that he has released this album himself. However the will and
way came about, kudos to you Mr. Mosher!
-
- OPUS 1 ZINE:
- I've been writing
about music for several years now, and over time, I've learned
a few things. First, turntables and rock don't mix. Second, if
you're pissed off, make sure you have a good reason before you
record it for the rest of us. Third, If you think your music
is clever (or cutting edge), it's not. And I'm about to add another
one to that list. For God's sake, don't ever make up a genre
for your music. That kind of privilege is reserved for a very
select few. But they're usually too busy defying genres to define
them.
- I hate to judge
albums by their cover, but I found it much harder to take Virtuality
seriously after reading Mosher's comments on the back: "File
under Ambient Neo-Progressive Cyber-Rock."
Here's the
real litmus test; when you read that, did you have to suppress
a shudder? If so, than you're not going to like this album. To
Mosher's credit, that string of hyphens comes pretty close to
summing up Virtuality's sound. Its dreamy, starlit synthwork
sure is ambient (my co-worker even thought it was Yanni at first).
And I guess it's progressive, what with the grandiose flourishes
and highbrow concepts. And there's plenty of rock, with loads
of thrashing guitar leads that probably owe more to Satriani
and Vai than anyone will ever know.
- You can't deny
that Mosher is a technically-skilled musician, and that Virtuality
is a topnotch recording. The production is excellent, the arrangements
are tight, and I'm sure the recording studio was state of the
art. But you know what? All technical merit aside, I never once
felt any emotional response to the music. In fact, I found it
pretty emotionless. Mosher's guitar-playing may be rich in tone
and his leads may be scorching, but nothing ever gave me goosebumps,
caused my jaw to drop, or made me want to put the rest of life
on hold so that I could listen a little closer.
- Lyrically, it's
the same. Virtuality may be a "progressive perspective on
socio-political and environmental issues," but I'm hardpressed
to see that in the cryptic lyrics, which read more like the edited
portions of a William Gibson novel than any serious look at corporate
corruption, political tyranny, and the environment. "The
Human Machine" might be about how human life is increasingly
becoming a commodity in our world. However, "The essence
of lost humanity/Confined behind more steel circuitry/Lost in
a fiber-optic mirror/As the cyborg armies that draw nearer"
just sounds like a bunch of _Blade Runner_-isms strung together.
"The Dreaming Eye" sure strives to be the album's transcendental
moment, with references to swimming "in the omnipotence
of time," floating "in a dreamspace ocean," and
whatnot. But if I wanted such obtuseness, I'd turn to "Dianetics." If
I'm supposed to take Virtuality seriously, I don't need be told
it's trying to "forge a dramatic and atmospheric listening
experience without genre-specific constraints while attaining
a dynamic rarely heard in today's corporate
musical climate."
- I don't need
a senior thesis on Mosher's musical vision, including his "experimental
proto-electronic trance-rock
rap-funk-metal" projects. I don't need a documentary on
the concept behind the cover art. And I don't need to
read Mosher's personal philosophy on everything, regardless of
how much he feels it's necessary so that I can
understand his "art" in the proper "context." I
like to know about an artist's philosophy as much as the next
music lover. Such knowledge does provide valuable insight into
their work. But when it requires a tome to explain it, I think
you've gone too far. To be honest, it feels insulting, as if
the album's concept is so far beyond the grasp of mere mortals
like myself that I need a user's manual (complete with smarmy,
self-deprecating humor). I don't need or want everything to be
spelled out so that I can enjoy an album.
- Virtuality is
as heavy-handed as it is Byzantine, and never becomes as compelling
as it tries so hard to be, regardless of what you file it under.
|
|