Strange We Should Meet Here - Idiot Pilot > Reviews > A Truly Original Debut

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Amazing range of songs, boasts originality .
Disadvantages:	Can become droning if played entirely .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

=== Idiot Pilot - Strange We Should Meet Here (2005) ===
Electronic Rock duo, Idiot Pilot, released their debut Strange We Should Meet Here on Reprise Records in 2005, and quickly found an emerging fan base in the alternative scene. The album was recorded prior to them signing to Reprise, but was remastered and repackaged for a more widespread release. The album runs for 14 tracks and little under an hour, featuring a diverse range of sounds from beautiful harmonies to destructive choruses. Idiot Pilot push the boundaries of their genre, fusing the best parts of Electronica and Hard Rock.

The album beings with Losing Color, a strange, and almost droning track, but all-in-all a summation of what to expect from the album. Synthesisers are heavily programmed with distorted guitars and laid back vocals creating the perfect sound scape to relax to at night. Swiftly, the second single from the album, A Day in the Life of a Poolshark, begins right where the opener left off. Keyboard harmonies and a more enforced drum beat leads to a powerful chorus and an introduction to the harsher screaming of Daniel Anderson. One of the best tracks on the album leaves you set-up and prepared for the what is to come.
The sixth track, Nightlife, explains precisely how this album sounds. It brings the relaxation of a still night, whilst introducing the fear and anything else that emerges when the day ends. Other stand out tracks include Spark Plug and, the first single from the album, To Buy a Gun; both of which are heavily layered and crammed with emotion and intensity. This album really is a roller coaster, with every track giving no expectations and forcing every direction only to bring the ride to an end in a similar way to how the album began, with the beautiful Lucid.

The artwork suits the music, being dark and questioning almost in itself. Idiot Pilot bring a collective set of ideas to the speakers, enabling an easy flowing, but interesting, listen. If there was only one word to describe this release it would have to be confusion. Not confusion in a negative sense, but the songs leave you with a strange feeling and, possibly stranger, leaving you wanting more and more. Any person who enjoys more thought-provoking compositions and likes to be kept guessing will love this work; it truly is one of a kind and a promising debut. The album is no longer a new release and can be picked up at a more than reasonable price. Highly recommended!