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Intolerance is an
album by a pseudonymous Slovenian musician originally
released in 1996, and re-mastered for the web in 2003. This
review is based on the CD version that came in a double CD
package with his other album The Harmony Of The Ecstasy. The
influence of artists (which MarryAnn lists) like Art of
Noise, J.M. Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and Depeche Mode are
apparent in what is essentially undemanding and enjoyable
synth pop.
The second
track "Primal Instinct" is good old fashioned EM in that
it's got some lively and cheerful melodies. A percussive
metallic beat keeps the piece moving at a fair pace while
kind of staccato synths and piano rolls on low notes form
the melodies. The pace slows for a middle of the track
reflectiveness before bursting back into life.
Most tracks
are upbeat, and the album and track length (nine tracks
between four and six minutes long) add to the feeling that
this is synth pop. MarryAnn's style includes a lot of
syncopated synth effects and a fair amount of other
background snap, crackle, and pop. In some places it's
almost like a musical rush hour!
On the
penultimate track "From Now to Eternity" the tempo is
initially laid back with slow drum beats, then it gets going
with what I think is one of the best melodies (in this case
sounding like it's played on piano) on the album. In places
there are some "thwack thwack" type of electronic effects
and also a tapping bell sound that comes and goes throughout
the piece. The album finishes with a flourish in "Night
Generation", an invigorated piece where powerful synthetic
drums rush along as melodies and rhythm, which sometimes
verge on the sensuous, add to the intensity.
In a lot of
ways Intolerance reminds me of some earlier works by
J.M.Jarre, and sometimes Helmut Teubner, in that there are
some nice upbeat melodies and rhythms. Even though there's a
lot going on musically it's sometimes thin sounding, not
unlike Jarre's output. Still, I will say that if you're
after accessible synth based music then this album is worth
checking out. |
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