Been Around the World
Heather N. James | Charleston, WV 25314 | 03/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"" By the time the moon has set on Cairo,I will already be walking in Berlin". These are the lines that open the song "Travelogue", admittedly one of my favorites already on this album. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this song exemplifies the album -- its a harrowing and breathtaking journey 'round the world at breakneck speed. A goodly portion of this album is Eastern-flavored, spiced with Eastern instrumentation instead of the corn syrup of the majority of today's synthpop. The addition of more guitar and the occasional down-and-dirty bassline makes me want to delete the "synth" from their description as "pop". It is obvious that Null Device has not been resting on their laurels since the release of their excellent debut disc "Sublimation". "A Million Different Moments" mixes beats, plaintive vocals and unique instruments to create a gorgeous tapestry of urgency and motion. I'm totally in love with the "versiyon turk" mix of "Travelogue". "Unknowingly", "Prevailing Winds" and the frenetic "Walk in London" are also not to be missed! This is a no-brainer: fans of Natacha Atlas, Peter Gabriel, and Escape With Romeo should check this disc out. I'm pleasantly surprised by the directions that Null Device has taken with this album and the more I listen to it, the more I like it. Their sound evolves, but two things remain the same: Null Device still can't seem to "find their baby", and I still love hearing them make music about it."
Don't just call 'em a synth band.
eurotic | In the gosh durn You, Ess of Ay! | 02/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A Million Different Moments sets an even higher musical standard than its predecessor, 2002's critically-lauded Sublimation. Deftly fusing elements of classic synthpop with influences ranging from Middle Eastern instrumentation to classical, trip-hop, and drum n' bass, Null Device ventures confidently into unknown territories to produce great rewards sonically, vocally, and lyrically. Fans of such acts as Delirium, Iris, Portishead, and GusGus will no doubt be entranced by Eric Oehler and Eric Goedken's infectious songs of longing and heartache. A Million Different Moments both elevates and expands the world of synthpop, leaving doubters of the genre's ability to grow in the dust and creating a landmark disc of incredible quality and depth. In all honesty, there's a lot of "synth" (which I think ND has evolved past) out there which simply wishes it was Red Flag or, of course, Depeche Mode. This is so much more than that. A Million Different Moments continues Null Device's breakneck evolution, retaining their distinctive sound while pushing it to bold and fascinating new boundaries. Take a chance on it if you want to hear something new, exciting, and gorgeous."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1