Solid throughout.. Jody and Nick are the best
Bulldozer | By the Beach, CA | 01/27/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're gonna make fans wait 5 years for your 4th album, it'd better be worth the wait. Jody and Nick don't disappoint. They just don't.
It's got less of a radio-friendly sound, and seems to be Way out West echoing their origins from small clubs and dance halls. They've come armed with some ancient, analog synthesizers and fancy gadgets-- likely inspiring the album's title. Returning to this album (and somewhat missing in Don't Look Now") is the 4/4 rhythm. Missing is the vocals of Omi. Substituting is Jonathan Mendelsohn who sings on "Survival" and "Only Love."
To be honest, I think Way out West works better as a project with the sultry vocals of a lady: Past alumni Omi, Kirsty Hawkshaw and Tricia Lee Kelshall. It's not that Mendelsohn's voice isn't good. It has a nice falsetto character. But it seems to get less enjoyable with repeated listens, especially on "Survival." But credit to WOW for going into some rather unknown territory. And pulling of some tracks that sound better than just about everything on the scene.
The big hit on the album is "Future Perfect." It's been remixed countless times, and well-deserving of it. It's a progressive tune that dazzles. But aside from "Future Perfect," there really isn't a stellar song here. And even then, I'd be hesitant to rank "Future Perfect' neck and neck with the likes of the now eponymous WOW classic "Killa" or "Intensify Pt. 1." Still it's an album that becomes more enjoyable through additional listenings. Some of my favorite tunes are "Pleasure Control" "Tierra del fuego" and "One Bright Night."
Some interesting omissions are the single "Sparkle" and "Spaceman." To be honest, "Sparkle" is my fave WOW track from their recent work, and I was disappointed it wasn't included on the album. It starts off with a roar of tribal drums before jumping into some rapid beats reminiscent of a 21st century "Dancehall Tornado."
Conclusion: Don't Look Now and Intensify still prove more rewarding through repeated listenings than We Love Machine. We Love Machine suffers a bit from the lack of a true hit, or several solid hits. There's no weak track on this album, but neither are there a list of favorites that are easily distinguishable. But WOW's done an amazing job once again. They've revitalized a stale EDM scene, and with a Remixed Release of We Love Machine due out in the Spring, there'll be plenty more to feast on.
"
WOW. Simply brilliant.
Nick Ford | Midwest USA | 11/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know what else to say other than..... this is an INCREDIBLE release. It's in my top 3 for best artist album of the year.... easily. Simply SICK. I'm more of a house or progressive person rather than a trance person and this CD is something not quite like ANYTHING else I've heard....so atmospheric and classy.... and so creative. Just a groovy, cool, forward thinking album.
BUY IT!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1