Great Starting Place
04/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the height of their second incarnation. First incarnation was droning guitars and Buddhist philosophy. Self-obsessed and brooding (and quite amazing) describes Key of Dreams and Always Now.
At this point however, they wanted to make some money and consciously tried to make a commercial album. They almost succeeded if Factory hadn't botched the marketing. Suffice to say, there are surprising electronic soundscapes that both echo New Order (good friends of theirs) and early techno. Shades of Kraftwerk at points.
Very beautiful songwriting and production. This was a favorite album of mine for years. Buy if you like New Order, Depeche Mode, Seefeel, Spiritualized, etc."
Club Clearview Classic
johnstonec | Kaiserslautern Germany | 02/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who spent any time in alternative clubs like Club Clearview (Dallas, Texas) in 85-88 should recognize some of the titles on this album. As a precursor to the Techno movement, it doesn't get any better than this. In particular Looking from a Hilltop is one of my alltime favorites and one of the most powerful pre Techno songs to come out of that era. Get this CD while it still exists. CJ"
Their most consistent and compelling album
Jay M | Dublin, Ireland | 04/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Section 25 moved away from their often criticised guitar-drone, miserable sound towards a more contemporary electro-pop style on this 1983 release. Think of a slightly more poppy New Order, circa 'Movement' and 'Power, Corruption and Lies' with some female vocals, and you can't go far wrong.It's a bit cheap to think of Section 25 as mere New Order copyists, they are so much more. The album sways from pulsating ambient scores, guitar based pop, to rugged electro cuts. The highlight without a doubt being 'From a Hilltop'. There is material here from their older catalogue, though it is updated and it sounds much better. This band were more than just a great band, they were innovators too. Listen to the acidy-squelchy sound of the 12" mix of 'Beating Heart'. Yes, they invented Acid House, to a point!I wondered for a long time whether or not to take a chance and buy this. I was mainly worried about whether it sounded anything like their previous dull and lifeless work. It didn't.I would urge you not to wait as long as me to purchase this outstanding album. I'm glad I did buy it. So will you."