On Thu, 28 Mar 1996, Ashok Divakaran wrote:
quoted 6 lines I, too, am in awe of their technique--there are specific things that impress> I, too, am in awe of their technique--there are specific things that impress
> me greatly--the tightness and micro-precision of their rhythms, and the sheer
> discipline and control in general. Unfortunately, that is also (to my ears)
> their downfall--there isn't a whole lot of spontenaity and emotion, which are
> two qualities I admire, even (and perhaps especially) in the superficial
> rigidity of programmed electronic music.
It's funny that you say this because the thing that I find most
remarkable about Amber is that it's one of the most intensely personal
and emotional records I've ever heard. Teartear is the most obvious
example, but the entire album speaks in a very human voice. There's a
very subtle statement made throughout about the relationships of people
and machines and the mechanisms of thought and consciousness. It's
ultimately a much more powerful statement because it's expressed so
delicately and subtly. Just listen to all the voices that float very
quietly under the surface of the rhythms.
This is the reason I'm so much less impressed with Tri Repetae.
I think it's an outstanding record, but it's very clear that the muse
that inspired Amber is on vacation. It's every bit as accomplished, but
it's just so emotionally FLAT.