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Here we have the
second album by a pseudonymous and anonymous synth musician
recording under the name MarryAnn. The Harmony of the
Ecstasy could be considered a sister album to his previous
release Intolerance. They both tread similar musical ground
and even came in a package holding both CDs as though it
were a double album. Both albums are essentially synth pop,
and share a history of being released on the web prior to
the CD version. The album gets off to a lively start in the
first track "Life Escape". A stuttering drum beat, sunny
twittering notes, and searing sounds sliding along all move
at a pace to create a sense of being carefree and escaping
from the hassles of everyday life. In the second track, "In
the Name Of" the mood becomes mellow in contrast, here
metallic sounds echo briefly like stones thrown to skim
across water. A harp like sample delivers a pleasing melody
while a bass rhythm and stick sound creates a beat of sorts,
plus synth pads gild the layers. This piece develops to an
extent, the melody in particular changing a little over the
course of the track.
Another
noteworthy track is the mid-tempo "We Should Live Together".
Possibly referring to people in general being tolerant
towards each other (as opposed to a relationship between
lovers) this piece opens with briefly harsh then softer
synths. Soon after that, drum programming, percussion, bassy
rhythms, and simple melodies played out on different tones
and textures start up. The intriguing thing is how the
melodies are like the musical equivalent of various people
talking together.
With
influences such as J.M.Jarre and Depeche Mode it's not
surprising that The Harmony of the Ecstasy is the sort of
album with the occasional catchy tune, and likeable if not
deeply satisfying songs. |
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