Prism

On its surface, the Orbs Prism seems to pay homage to The Dark Side of the Moon, similar to the way the cover of Live 93 cheekily nodded to Animals. Prism continues in the collaboration-heavy spirit of their previous two albums, with the groups core duo consisting of founder Dr. Alex Paterson and newer recruit Michael Rendall, and guest contributors including Youth, Gaudi, David Harrow, Leandro Fresco, and others. Not as politically motivated as Abolition of the Royal Familia, or other albums the band has described as peaceful protests, Prism still maintains concern for the future with song titles like "The Beginning of the End" and "Living in Recycled Times." Opening track "H.O.M.E. (High Orbs Mini Earths)" celebrates the planet with its opening poem ("I love this world and all her beauty") and serene neo-classical soundscapes, taking its time to build up to a percolating space-disco pulse. "Why Can You Be in Two Places at Once, When You Cant Be Anywhere at All (Garys Mix)" is a summery, easygoing disco house number inspired by 70s comedy records, from the Firesign Theatre-esque title to the Cheech & Chong-like dialogue throughout the track. In line with the groups sense of humor, the albums most dubwise tracks are loaded with goofy samples, like the cats meowing throughout "Picking Tea Leaves & Chasing Butterflies," which also has near-operatic vocals and a retro radio outro. "The Beginning of the End" is a lush deep house track evoking a voyage to Chicago, with a sample of an on-board announcement from a flight to the Windy City. "Living in Recycled Times" features guest vocalist Rachel DArcys assuring words ("never give up") and a liquid drumnbass rhythm driving through nocturnal ambiance, ending with more radio voices and spacy effects. ~ Paul Simpson

アレックス・パターソン率いるオーブの最新アルバムは、長年エレクトロニック・ミュージック・シーンを引っ張ってきた熟練の技が光る快作だ。アンビエント、ハウス、ダブ、ポエトリーリーディングなど、音楽に限らない多くの要素が綿密に絡み合っている。聴き手の耳を一瞬にして蕩けさせるトリッピーな音像も絶品。若さだけでは作れない老練な電子音は必聴だ。
bounce (C)近藤真弥