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Celldweller - Transmissions Vol. 01


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I will write directly: I have no idea how to bite Celldweller’s new album. On one hand, we get a pack of pretty decent instruments, but on the other - there is nothing new for an attentive listener. Unfortunately, "Transmissions Vol. 01" miss a lot to the level of "Wish Upon a Blackstar". If this album was released by a newcomer, it would be, most likely, unnoticed.
Do you remember who recently won a Grammy in the category of "Best Dance/Electronic Album"? And do you remember his second album - "Selected Ambient Works II"? If so – you can basically save your time and do not listen to Celldweller’s ""Transmissions Vol. 01" - the whole album is like a modern version of the aforementioned work. I would not like to criticize particularly Klayton – he is a really talented musician - but Aphex Twin is a completely different league. On the "Transmissions Vol. 01" it can be simply heard.
In general, it is not bad – ambient as ambient - here in the industrialized and cosmic-like version at the same time. You listen to it pretty good for the first time, second, and perhaps even for a third time - but then it is boring. Despite using really interesting arrangement solutions and creating generally quite dense atmosphere - the album cannot soak into listener for longer. Perhaps Klayton fell in a trap of the background music? After all ambient is one of those genres that seem to be compositionally easy... But practice says something completely different...
I ask - where are tracks on the level of "Switchback", "Fadeaway" and "Blackstar"? ""Transmissions Vol. 01" will be definitely able to cope on previous albums - but between the proper tracks. The most wasted potential that hurts is the one opening the album "Metropolitan". I feel that with a little more creativity it could be another hit, which would stay permanently on playlists for many fans of industrial music - and even more. Finally, the best impression makes the one closing the album "Daydreaming at Night". Indeed – aforementioned track could really cope with Aphex Twin’s records. Personally it reminds me the memorable "Gwely Mernans" from equally memorable album bearing the memorable title "Drukqs".
I would really like to write more, but there is just nothing to mention. "Transmissions Vol. 01" is another common album – it was basically unnoticed and it will be unnoticed. Mister Klayton we wait for something better!
 
P.S. However, if you are looking for something similar to the new Celldweller’s album, I refer to the recent works of Biosphere. Here, too, we are dealing with cosmic ambient - but it is, as I think, more interesting.

Tracklist:
01. Metropolitan
02. In the Middle of Nowhere
03. The Halls of Valhalla
04. The Last Question
05. Snowcore
06. Broken Clock
07. The Descent of King Ghidora
08. Shapeshifting Nebulae
09. Daydreaming at Night
Author:
Translator: hellium
Add date: 2015-10-28 / Music reviews




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