Search - Anne Clark :: Unstill Life

Midnight rush

loteq | Regensburg | 08/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anne Clark is largely known in Europe for her early-'80s material ("Sleeper in Metropolis", "Our darkness"), an unique mix of synth pop with despairing, poetic lyrics. "Unstill life", her 1991 album after a long lay-off, is the first in a series of ambitious records which bring together her electronica-based approach with neo-classical music. Fans of Anne's earlier efforts will probably balk at the album's first half with its mostly brief compositions. "The moment", however, starts things off in an industrial, otherworldly environment. With droning, machine-like synths and icy vocals, this track builds a claustrophobic but fascinating atmosphere. After this, it becomes more relaxing and classical. The strings sound a little banal at times, but there's enough musical tension to sustain the mood of "The spinning..", "Ice, moving", and the title cut. The hypnotic "Nida" has faster, near-tribal rhythms, and the darkly seductive "Counter act" finally comes up with Anne's signature sound. The majestic "Abuse" is the album's most catchy song, although it lyrically deals with the exploitation of third-world countries. The drumless "Silent prayer" with its melodic loops and "Closed circuit" close things on a baffling note. "Unstill life" is not easily accessible, but those who are generous enough it lend it an ear will recognize that this is one of Anne's strongest albums."