It’s often the case that electronica works fall between a Doctor Who episode and NOVA special. Other artists seemingly make it more about the fabrication, the concoction of sounds, rather than the flow of unique energy and optimum story telling. Alphanaut’s Out of Orbit is progressive, at the same time wispy. Words and arrangements linger for days.
Alphanaut, featuring Mark Alan, has impeccable timing for the collage of instruments – subtle piano, to the airy guitar riffs. Alan's overlaying is simple, but logical. His lyrics encounter an ongoing theme – it seems – of shyness or timid nature. None of the songs feel overbearing or assertive. Yet, each piece is a potent delivery of emotion and multi-genre fusion.
“Timid Creature,” the first track is effortless. It’s airy. Alan’s vocals are sexy and deep, his words move in a fume of sweet energy. He has a way of making the music sound safe – as if he’s not going to let the listener fall too deeply down a path that wouldn’t hold true to the lyrics and core sound.
“Never Been to Athens” wraps an engaging refrain with tweaked electronica. “More Than I Do,” crosses into Alan’s frustrations with world politics. This song doesn’t expend anger; the guitar sweetly weeps. The song “Mystery Loves Company” exudes the words “I can’t hold you up, you can’t hold me down” seems to be digging at a religious view. Not sure.
CD’s Best Song
“Without You” holds true with Alan’s anguished voice. It’s compelling and beautiful. A stunning, elegant piano bridge connects an aching poetic journey. The muffled trumpet near the end raises the sultry –jazzy elements. “Without You” is Out of Orbit’s best track.
Even with expletive lyrics, “Happily Sedated,” hides behind pining guitar riffs. “Sedated” moves along quirky notes married to Alan’s perfect tempo. This isn’t a face -paced song, but a mellow journey through simple lyrics.
“Don’t Hide Away from the Sun” opens with lush guitar work. Vocal echoes of David Bowie or Michael Hutchence (INXS) string alongside the even-keeled, sometimes airy orchestration. Alan’s voice maintains its stronghold until about 20-seconds left in the song. Then, it becomes a strangely slurred fabrication. This same creepy computer voice is in the final track “AL 424.”
The dreary, slow “Satellites Crashing” ignites the jazz trumpet previously found in “Without You.” The trumpet takes center stage – above the lyrics and duet between Alan and a female songstress. The song is sleepy, but still manages to stir and linger.
Most Bizarre Track
The CD’s strangest track is the final “AL 424.” This song is like a bizarre compression of isolation and enclosure. It’s too eerie. Not Michael Jackson-Vincent Price voice ‘Thriller” scary, but “2001: A Space Odyssey” disturbing.
Fans of Depeche Mode, Brian Eno, The Killers, Sleepthief, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Snow Patrol, Postal Service or Chris Botti might appreciate the variety and ingenuity of Alan’s voice and arrangements. Alan, now based in Los Angeles, derives some of his Pacific Northwest roots (he’s a Seattle native) from desolate sounds to fresh, interesting products. It’s not Earth shattering, but a pleasant reminder of finding beauty in different wiring.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
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