Search - Dot Allison :: We Are Science

Huge Improvement over Afterglow

Danny Kim | Hollywood, CA | 06/11/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following Dot's work since One Dove and was floored when she finally released a solo album. As much as I wanted to like "Afterglow", it never really impressed me. The lyrics were too simplistic and it was under or over-produced (depending on your taste). With the exception of "Mo Pop" and a track or two, it was just nice to see, but disappointing to hear.With the few years she's had between "Afterglow" and "We Are Science" , it's obvious she has developed as a musician. I saw an excellent video interview with Annie Nightengale on the net where she showed a genuine appreciation for various forms of electronic music and mentions that she has been dj'ing in Glasgow. The exposure has paid off...from the first track, an infectious bassline from the title track brings back old school underground memories. Namely One Dove, with Dot's vocal stylings. Unlike "Afterglow", just about every track begins with a breakbeat-ish rhythm and is gradually layered by hypnotic vocals and psychadelic synthesizer sounds. Ironically, it seems like Dot was more concerned with programming and composing this time round, merely adding her wonderful voice to everything as an afterthought. Kind of like a director also starring in their own movie.Dot's evolution is like a reverse from Hooverphonic, who've gone from hypnotic perfection to melodic fluff. I'd recommend this album highly, though I feel she still has plenty of room to grow as an artist. I can't wait to see what Dot has coming up next. One Dove lives!"

Substance

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 04/20/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Dot Allison's solo album "Afterglow" a few years ago. I must confess that it really didn't do anything for me. It had a few choice tracks but otherwise didn't stand out amidst my large cd collection. I found a used copy of her latest cd "We Are Science" today in the used cd bins. I must say that I like this album a lot more than her first cd. Although it has its flaws like the remix tracks of "We're Only Silence" and "Substance" (the better remixed track of the two), overall I find the cd much more compelling than what I heard on "Afterglow". The music on "We Are Science" is a pleasant mix of techno, pop, and rock. When I first read the tracklist on the back of the cd, I originally assumed that "I Think I Love You" was a cover of the very cheesy Partridge family song. Thankfully it was not. I found this cd to have some electroclash influences to it which I didn't mind considering the fact that I am not into this so-called 'electro-clash' movement. The best track on this cd I thought was "Make It Happen". I wasn't too wild about "Strung Out" with the electric guitars. Overall "We Are Science" is an enjoyable album. Not one of the best cds I have heard but it isn't bad."

To be continued

Nicole | Phoenix, Arizona | 01/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard Dot Allison I was absolutely floored by her voice, lyrics, and a sound that was like no other. Coming from a small town I had never heard a person that could move me so much. I waited for One Dove to come out with another album but then I heard they broke up so I waited for another album. I am not disappointed by this album and I don't think anyone else would ever be but I feel she has a lot to offer lyrically if not sound wise. Her voice will take you somewhere you have never been before but with this album it's almost like a tease where she holds your hand but never really brings you there. Its only a matter of time before she comes out with another album like her first. It would be a treat to the US if she ever would tour here!"