 | Tracklist:
1. Remember
2. Cause and Effect
3. Transition
4. Doubt
5. Control
6. Fragments
7. Unknown
8. Not Afraid
9. Second Reality
10. Sanctuary
Release Date: 01/24/2012 | |
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On 1 Lists
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| Summary: Mind.In.A.Box attempt to evolve, but fail to step outside of the box they've closed themselves in with previous releases. |
5 of 5 thought this review was well written
Mind.In.A.Box have been releasing their own auto-tuned brand of delightful future/synth pop since 2004, and at a steady rate the quartet have been putting out their decidedly conceptual albums. Fast forward to the present and we're left with Revelations, and the story now spanning five albums is close to being closed; ironically this closure is one of mixed results.
From the initial impressions Revelations is more downtrodden than it's predecessors. Conceptually this makes sense, as the futuristic tale of mental imprisonment and science fiction was never the happiest of settings to begin with. Musically this means the listener is treated to a few more ambient and atmospheric tracks than they might be ready for, and the low key vocal direction on many tracks doesn't help in this department. Unluckily this initial assessment holds true, pulling the listener down with it.
For those who fondly remember the bands hit “Amnesia” and the way the vocals helped the song coalesce into a futuristic whole Revelations contains only a few moments that will recall that nostalgia. Most notable of these is “Unknown,” starting off with a really expansive synth line reverberating around the speakers before the vocals kick in. The band really knows how to solidify all it's elements as a whole; from the lyrical direction about uncertainty to the expansive electronic elements, adding to the songs feeling of loss, hope, and misdirection. “Unknown” stands out because it takes what gave the band recognition in their early days and polishes it to a gorgeous shine, showing how the group have grown. Once this level of dedication appears it becomes hard to look at the album in the same light, leaving the listener at a crossroads.
The issue with Revelations is one of contrast; on one hand are the bands more powerful moments such as the ending of “Remember,” the beat heavy beginning of “Cause and Effect” and the aforementioned “Unknown.” The other hand holds the rest of the album, a decidedly quiet affair that makes up for its lack of musical power with the lyrical tale being told. This duality makes Revelations very hard to sit through, as one moment the lines to “Cause and Effect” are stuck in the audience's mind until the realization that four other songs have passed without them noticing. The choice between the more energetic sections and the story elements is one that should have never came up, as many a masterful story has been told by other groups while avoiding this pitfall.
Mind.In.A.Box lives on it's uniqueness, and to have released so many well received albums is a wonder for a group in their sound niche. The latest album is definitely more of what fans have come to expect, but it seems to go back and forth between trying to ride on its musical qualities and the concept behind it. New fans will more than likely be disappointed with Revelations, while old listeners will welcome the chance to hear the tale finally come to some semblance of finality. Revelations isn't bad, but neither is it a step in the right direction; Mind.In.A.Box is better than this.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3
Album just dropped today/yesterday depending on your time zone, I've got mixed feelings over it.
Issues with the review lemme know, otherwise I'm braced for the bloc haterade. For more about
the making of the album click here -> http://www.thyxmusic.com/store/product.php?id_product=43
Album stream on Spotify (not for USA listeners) - http://open.spotify.com/album/6ipxqGft3ypwMhP8CdUQKm
Digging: Lemuria (BE) - Tales, Ale, and Fire Digging: Lemuria (BE) - Tales, Ale, and Fire | | |
leaving the listener at a crossroads.
I see what u did there.
one one hand are the bands more powerful moments
Small typo.
I've only heard Crossroads from them and it rules. Which album should I try next u think?
Digging: Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music Digging: Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
| | | Album Rating: 3
I like Lost Alone almost as much as Crossroads, so maybe there?
Thanks for the typo catch!
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Thanks, will do. Just listened to Unknown and Cause and Effect. Really liked those. If only they made the whole album like that, it would've been great. Pos'd btw.
| | | Album Rating: 3
Thank you sir, I think the three tracks I mentioned in the review are my favorite so far, at least the ones with the most staying power.
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Great review man, if you keep it up you might get a title soon ;]
Digging: Walknut - Graveforests And Their Shadows Digging: Walknut - Graveforests And Their Shadows
| | | Album Rating: 4
I might still review this but good stuff Acanthus!
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
You
must
DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE
Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight | | | Album Rating: 3
Aww thanks Tyraelxy!
I didn't know if you were going to Pizza but I got home last night and felt like writing this.
bloc it's ok, we know you love us less than 5-ers
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always enjoyed mind.in.a.box
wasn't aware of the new album though damn must grab
Digging: Meshuggah - Koloss
| | | Album Rating: 3
Hope you enjoy it!
| | | Album Rating: 4 | Sound Off
Good review, pos.
Digging: Inverloch - Dusk/ Subside | | | Album Rating: 3
Thanks Eclecticist, it didn't hit me like Crossroads or their others did.
I steer clear of R.E.T.R.O.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Yeah, dare I say this album is a bit boring.
| | | Album Rating: 3
I thought you might think that way a bit, normally your're a bit more vocal about albums you end up loving.
| | | Album Rating: 4
I guess I love music too much. :P
| | | Album Rating: 3
haha perhaps!
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
I do wish there was more vocoder on this
| | | Album Rating: 3
Same, I really love that bit of the band.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Vocoders are just cool in general.
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