More like floating in mid-air than a slowdive (Pygmalion - Slowdive)

Member Name: hulahoop

Product:	Pygmalion - Slowdive
Date:	12/09/00 (399 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazingly chilled album

Disadvantages: May cause drowsiness

'Pygmalion' (CREATION) is an album breath-takingly put together by one of Neil Halstead's bands Slowdive, also featuring Rachel Goswell, sharing vocalist responsibilities. Christian Savill, Nick Chaplin and Ian McCutcheon also join them to create a piece of spirit-warming, occasionally chilling music.

Beginning with 'rutti', the first track instantly sends you into a daze with gentle guitar and subtle lyrics. The repetitive melody of this song gives it the feeling of a sensual mantra, lasting for a good 10 minutes, while you can relax comfortably.

Slowdive have been described as a bunch of middle-class white boys messing around with effects pedals. Never have they done it so well as on songs such as 'Miranda' and 'Trellisaze', combining beautifully outlandish sounds with more loosened echoing vocals.

Within the album the musicians drift determinedly from track to track, unpredictably but never startling the listeners. With spiritual vocals from Rachel Goswell on several tracks the listener is ensured a chilled experience, which is as addictive as it is subtle.

The final track 'all of us', provides a gentle conclusion to the previous, and contrasts with a blatant lack of heavy effects. Minimalism of instruments brings an end to an album which is all about ingenious experimentation contrasted with traditional music. Its musical peaks and troughs unnoticeable versus those concerned with the feelings emitted, the album could be one to send you to sleep or uplift you or perhaps depress you, entirely depending upon your own interpretation.

Slowdive have been a relatively unknown, but hugely influencial to those that do, kind of band. Many artists have tried to incorporate their style into their own music. Their work can be heard loosely in famous bands from Radiohead to YoLaTengo, and respected by many, from Brian Eno to me!!

This is a sensational album, complementing ot
hers, 'Just for a Day', 'Souvlaki', and work by another Neil Halstead/Rachel Goswell band, the Mojave 3.

I have found it addictive and overwhelmingly beautiful. Make of it what you will.

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