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Trance Forum » » Forum  Music Reviews - Shen - Outlines
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Shen - Outlines

Morpheus Music
IsraTrance Full Member

Started Topics :  94
Posts :  165
Posted : Feb 19, 2007 17:01
STYLE
Lucid electro chill-out and downtempo IDM. Outlines is a fairly minimal album melodically speaking built around punchy programmed beats, repeating evolving structures and simple morphing motifs. There are some ambient sections (moslty introductions apart from the final track 'Onflow') where ethereal sound clouds and bright turbulence underlay some interesting synthetic tonal touches or subdued sequenced phrases. The sound is clearly created using the cutting edge of musical technology so that each sonic item hangs in its own frequency space clean and clear. Although the album is primarily instrumental there are a couple of songs, a strongly effected female voice echoing over the dub stabs and blunt bass lines of 'Causation' and the lazy 'Embrace' where a low looming bass buoys up a more wistful vocal performance. The music is warm, vibrant and full of dynamic optimism - downtempo yet upbeat and with a gentle urgency.


MOOD
The mood on Outlines is one of clean, technical artistry - the sonic palette is sharp and well-defined. Although a downtempo album, the music is quite lively and busy, percolating patterns and electro beats in constant flux - that said there is a minimalist structure and sparse melodic approach that smooths out the surface into restful terrain, well reflected in the stark landscapes of the cover imagery.


ARTWORK
Some beautiful photography adorns this jewel case package. A stunted tree leans out from a rocky crag in monochrome on the front cover, smooth sky featureless and flat. Similar images of stone wood and sky appear on most panels - abundant white borders and backdrops keeping everything light and clean. The rear cover tracklist neatly lines up in white text against a pointed ridge, website details below. Inside is a three section fold out where pride of place is given over to more stunning scenery. There are thanks, credits and two more tracklistings found on different sections here.


OVERALL
Outlines is the latest release from Native State records. Here Noah Pred appears in his chilled incarnation Shen, a name taken from the arcane Taoist term for 'refined energy' or 'depth'. The album comprises fourteen tracks that might well be energetic enough for the dancefloor with plenty of rhythm and energy - that said there is sufficient detail for the home listener, elegant subdued melodic elements and abundant peripheral aural architecture holding the attention. Guest appearances come from Kinnie Starr who sings on two tracks and JefeWillital whose delicate flute strains can be heard bringing a slightly wistful touch to 'Broken Jade'. Although this is Shen's first full length album, he is familiar to many listeners through his appearances on 'Leftcoast Liquid Vol. 1', 'Floating Point 3' and various Green Samurai Clan compilations.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Shen comes from the Native State label and is stylistically well placed there. Fans of Bluetech and other artists on the label roster will likely find Outlines to their liking. Shen is a strong contender for chill fans, leaning perhaps a little more toward a technical, mechanical sound than some of his fellow artists.

          MORPHEUS MUSIC
www.morpheusmusic.co.uk
ELECTRONIC MUSIC MALL
http://www.electronicmusicmall.com
Banel
Behind Blue Eyes

Started Topics :  96
Posts :  415
Posted : Feb 21, 2007 10:43
This album is highly recommended!!!           www.myspace.com/michaelbanel
Trance Forum » » Forum  Music Reviews - Shen - Outlines
 
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