Reich: Orchestral and Vocal Works

Advantages: A stunning soundworld
Disadvantages: It is a long work

...Steve Reich has often said that writing for the orchestra was difficult. This is in part to difficult personal times but also aestetically it hindered the rhythmic agility that his music requires. However, despite reservations by many about his orchestral works (they are often considered his weaker works) I find myself continually fascinated by what he makes the orchestra do. The Desert Music is music on an epic scale featuring huge sweeping textures and turbulent chorales set to text by Wittgenstein (whom steve studied during his philosophy major). The piece lasts some 48 minutes and is sectioned into contrasting moods and tempi. The very opening and closing movements are like giant pulsating waves that literally crash down over you, it truely is an amazing feeling. The orchestra pulsates to steady quavers as the harmony morphs slowly... Read review

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Advantages: some excellent songs,riffs, and vocals
Disadvantages: alot of experimentation and strange bits

...The Empires of the Worlds is the follow up album to Eight Moons, and is the second album from the British metal band Biomechanical. It was released in 2005 on Earache Records. Background of Band: The band formed in 2001, and in 2003 released their first album 'eight moons'. Their latest album is due for release later this year. The band is mostly well known for their singer's huge Rob Halford style voice, along with heavy riffs and orchestral backings. Members on this album (most have since left): John K. Jon Collins Matt C. Chris Webb Jamie Hunt Song by song review: 1. Enemy Within - 4:56 This is a good start to the album and showcases the vocal talents of John K. there is a strange intro with some heavy orchestral influences before a big riff kicks into the main part of the song. Pretty heavy stuff and some real... Read review

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Advantages: A journey through the development of an electro pop band
Disadvantages: There are a couple of awful tracks that could have been left off.

...There doesn't seem to be much that hasn't come from Liverpool. What have we got to show from our North West cousins? The Beatles, Jimmy Tarbuck……So it was no surprise that the masters of 'synth pop' in the form of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark also were born and bred from the once grotty, depressing Northern dock city. The band formerly known as 'The ID' first applied their punk themes to our ears sometime in late 1978. The two founding members, Paul Humphreys (who was actually born in London) and Andy McCluskey released 'Electricity' in May 1979, then to re-record it only to not issue it as a single in September 1979. Just as well as it was a pretty appalling track that generated virtually nothing that to could be seen as warm and emotional. It was, thought, a track that launched an era of 'electricity' in the shape... Read review

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