Give it three listens
mick williams | Hampton, VA United States | 05/11/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Kemi Vita is much more passionate on this outing; all the growling guitars on Spin Moon Magic got a little monotonous. At times, she's all over the place, like Siouxsie Banshee. Elsewhere, she sounds very Bjork-like. Unfortunately, she still doesn't carry any memorable tunes (with one huge exception).
If you're nutty enough to buy an album for one track (like me), then number 7 will redeem you. "The Dreamside" is a beautiful song.
"Travel" has Kemi doing a duet at a welcome change of tempo. If the vocals get a little murky, the bell-like guitar notes create a lovely, undulating melody. "Women's Chant" is suitably ominous---like a medieval twist on Switchblade Symphony.
I can't call this the best darkwave out there. But for you fellow writers and comic book artists, it's good background for those darkly creative times. Good enough to take a chance on their next album."
NICE BUT NOT GREAT
J'Ro | Tulsa, OK | 06/15/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I am a Dreamside fan and loved Spin Moon Magic. Pale Blue Lights is good but I don't think it compares to Spin Moon Magic. It is a very nice, melodic cd, one that I can listen to from start to finish repeatedly. There is nothing offensive about the cd but there are no standout songs on it like "Forsaken" on SMM.
I would call this cd "mood" music. The music is relaxing, gentle, unobtrusive. I can burn incense, read, and have this cd playing in the background and enjoy quiet down-time. In fact I really enjoy having it playing in the background.
Kemi is an incredibly gorgeous frontwoman with a great voice. I can tell she is stretching and playing with her vocals a lot on Pale Blue Lights. She's having fun, and I enjoy listening to her.
The Dreamside is a band whose recordings I purchase without listening to in advance...I think they're THAT good. I would have loved to give Pale Blue Lights a 4 or 5 star rating, but I don't feel there are any great stand-out singles on it.
If you are a Dreamside fan or want good mood music, this is a perfect cd for you. I recommend it highly for that reason alone."