Search - Anything Box :: The Universe Is Expanding

Thankfully, Not a Disappointment!

Bobby Rinehart | Las Cruces, NM USA | 01/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Anything Box released their newest effort, The Universe Is Expanding (TUIE), I admit I was just a bit nervous. Close to the same time, Depeche Mode released Exciter, and I was very disappointed with it, frankly. For the longest time, when asked who my favorite band was, my reply was, "It's a tie between Anything Box and Depeche Mode." Well let's just say that with the release of Exciter, Depeche Mode easily dropped out of that shared slot.
As the release of TUIE drew near, my nervousness was compounded by (okay, I'll just be brutal and say it) the failure of my previously other fave band's newest effort. However, when I finally got my hands on A-box's newest, I had much cause to rejoice. Hands-down, this is easily the best this band has put out. Why? Yes, some fans are disappointed with Anything Box's "departure" from their old-school vibe. But I don't see it as a departure at all. It's called evolution, a sort of musical Darwinism that is quite pleasing to the ear. Basically, this band has definitely grown up and found the sound that they've been struggling to find for over a decade. Considering that all of their previous albums have been stupendous, that should say something about this album! TUIE is easily my favorite Anything Box album (and I've been a fan since very close to their beginning). Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newbie to this band's groove, check it out. It's a required CD in any collection.
If you like electronica with a special beat and sound all its own, look no farther than The Universe Is Expanding by Anything Box. There is no way to describe their sound - it's unique and all their own, and that's why it's so great. Let's just say that if The Beatles had access to synthesizers and the technology utilized by Claude S. and company, this is probably what they'd sound like. Definitely a good sound with a message behind the music and beat. Give Anything Box and The Universe Is Expanding a whirl. Trust me - you won't be disappointed!"

EEEEXXXXXPPPPPAAAAANNNNNDDDDDDSSSSS!

paradoxicalpleasures | USA | 10/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This maybe the prettiest, sweetest album I own. You have to dig the soft, romantic, and catchy sound...but if you do, this will be one of your all time favorites. By far the best Anything Box/Dairy album made. All you have to do is listen to this album to understand that the music industry in America is screwed up. If groups like 96 degrees, Ace of Base, Kid Rock, etc. etc. can make it big, and groups like Anything Box, The Beautiful South, and Belle and Sebastian can go vitually unheard of is a testiment to the corruption that runs from the radiostations to MTV to record companies to the cemented minds of the jaded listeners. Anything Box's talent in creating beautiful music goes virtually matched. Get this album and get in touch with your sensitive side. And screw the American Music scene!"

Best album of 2001 - Too bad more haven't heard it

Jordan L. Stephens | 10/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Considering I waited about four years for this album, I could have easily been very disappointed, but somehow I knew I wouldn't be. Despite undergoing quite an evolution over the past ten years, Anything Box never disappoint.The sound Anything Box have embraced is hard to pin down, and I think in part that's the point. While still largely electronic but with a decidedly Beatles flavor and more guitars than ever, The Universe Is Expanding breaks new ground while holding true to the great melodies that have always made Anything Box shine. The sound is really just a more cohesive and complete version of the sound they pioneered in 1997 with Elektrodelica.Some of the cohesiveness probably comes from the fact that The Universe Is Expanding is very much a theme album.  Almost everything has some sort of space affiliation, from the title to the album art to the lyrics. Perhaps a perfect album to break in the new millennium, The Universe Is Expanding is a collection of Beatles-flavored rock songs, touching ballads, and solid pop songs. Catchy enough for radio but different enough to be legitimate, this album is highly listenable from beginning to end. As with Anything Box's other works, the songs are complex and creative enough to keep you listening over and over but catchy enough that you won't forget them when you're not.I can't recommend enough that you buy this album. It's a shame that so few will hear an album that is so good."