Arctic Foundation - Alaska

Advantages: best ambient album ever
Disadvantages: none

...In mountains, a cirque is a semicircular amphitheater shaped feature with steep walls carved by a glacier. With this definition, we can only assume that Geir Jenssen (aka Biosphere) will take us once again to a trip into high altitudes. "Cirque" was inspired by the life of an explorer who ended up in the lost forests of Alaska. It remains in the ambient music tradition of the previous "Substrata", with a cold but bright vibe. But unlike its predecessor, beats are present on most tracks, giving them a livelier side. 'Nook And Cranny' and 'Grand Dome' set up the atmosphere with their peaceful pads, dub influenced basslines and light beats. The dark and calm 'Black Lamb and Grey Falcon' and its delicate guitar then give a little break before the smooth and bassy 'When I Leave' gets us ready for the final part of the journey. We are now... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Excellent songs and many variations.
Disadvantages: Not long enough!

...Since first hearing the Arctic Monkeys and listening to their first album every day for twelve months I have been waiting in great anticipation for this, their second album to be released. I have also booked to go and see them at Lancashire County Cricket Club. When I first heard their debut song from this album BrianStorm I was slightly disappointed, but like many of the Arctic Monkeys tunes, it was a 'grower', the more i heard it the better it got. I went to woolworths the day they brought this album out and bout it for 9.99 (bargain). The Arctic Monkeys have delivered once again with this album. My favourite songs on the album currently are Teddy Picker, Fluorescent Adolescent and Yellow Bricks, which all get 10/10. But all the other songs get 9.5/10 with no disappointments.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: some very good songs (balaclava, teddy picker)
Disadvantages: lacks originality and a distinct move away from last album

...The arctic monkeys to many are the band to have defined our generation. There really haven't been any other bands to so accurately and cleverly depict young peoples lives in the 21st century . This album features the destinctive sound of the arctics both in the mars volta esq guitars and the distinct and diverse lyrics from the lead singer Alex Turner. Alex Turner has definately not lost any originality lyrically but my only critisicm is the similarity musically between this and the last album. Still this is an amazing album. Songs such as Teddy Picker are perfect examples of the catchy and distinctly Northern lyrics from Turner. Featuring the distinct sharp and bouncy sound of the arctics. In short this is a great album although obviously it lacks the impact and originality that second albums so often do.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful