Good, but they've been so much better
J. Thomas | Fresno, CA USA | 03/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Technical wizardry and intricate production are in abundance on ITN's latest, but I fear two important things have gotten lost along the way: the value of the song, and the value of silence. But make no mistake: "Groundloop" is very good indeed, and well worth pointing your mouse at the "Buy Now" button. ITN have successfully merged their earlier symphonic-industrial-filmic style with the more electronic sound of their side project, Les Jumeaux, and the result is eight songs that stir the emotions and move the heart. But for a devoted ITN fan, "Groundloop" might be a bit of a shocker. Many of the songs don't sound like the "Classic ITN" we've come to know and love, and the title track even veers dangerously close to being -- gasp! -- a single. Where does "Groundloop" come up short? With capital-P Production so obvious on this disc, almost the only pauses are between the songs -- which don't tie together in common themes like they did on some previous ITN discs. The Humberstone brothers have thrown in so many Stereolabesque dots and loops that otherwise simple melodies are sometimes obscured. Back in the early 1990s, ITN released three albums in a row -- "L'Esprit," "Sense" and "Duality" -- that easily stand as the group's most amazing work, and easily stand as some of the decade's most compelling and fascinating music. If you're willing to accept that "Groundloop" is a different animal than these three masterworks, then you'll be able to more fully appreciate its beauty."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
