Search - Emperor Penguin :: Shatter the Illusion of Integrity Yeah

Closer to the Heart

Eric Theler | Madison, WI | 05/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As most people know, StIoI,Y is E.P.'s sensual account of their late `70s epic musical battle with Rush. What most people don't really understand is that this is also E.P.'s most intimate and personal album as it explores melodious fornications with space and time. It is a grand artistic nexus-between the political (Neil Peart's "aristocrat manque" vs. Lazlo Minimart's "enfant terrible") and the personal (Geddy Lee's Dandyism vs. Mel Stanke's bon vivant "beau ideal"). Years later, when Roger Troutman would record "Roger: The Saga Continues", he would go home between studio sessions and relax by listening to StIoI,Y which was initially released on color vinyl in 1983 (only 32 copies were pressed and the Troutman clan owned 31 of them; the Rev. Billy Graham owned the 32nd). Much later, E.P. would pay their deepest respects to the late Roger Troutman by dedicating to his memory their masterpiece recording--Mysterious Pony. And what of the outcome of that great and terrible war between Rush and E.P.? Well, I still walk the dog, do the mashed potato, and get down to "Smoove B" and the rest of StIoI,Y, but, God as my witness, I have never, never danced to "Red Barchetta.""

Leaves you thirsting for more

omniscientfool | Beijing, China | 04/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Get this band some ink! It's nice to see the artist's commentary up there; I don't think I've seen any others who do. There is a genuine, often infectiously funky sound on this album. At very least, they deserve some notoriety, if by unfortunate precedent they cannot penetrate the rotten cotton candy curtain of pop. The bassline is always a driving force, complemented perfectly by synthy melodies and well-timed, clever lyrics that always catch you by surprise. My personal favorites are the instumentals, especially "Echoes of Pumford" and "Smoove B." Such tactful musicianship demands appreciation. Followers of Herbie Hancock (or other "organic"-sounding funky stuff), Mannheim Steamroller, Air (EP is often even SMOOTHER), and weirdos like Think Tree and MIRV owe it to themselves to expand their library to include the Penguin. Even electronica fans will get a kick out of it."

A perfect condoption-analog synth, sampled beats, style.

omniscientfool | 04/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! What a great disc! I chanted with the children, "Steamroller", "Steamroller", "SteamRoller". I understood the "bleeps" that integrate. I remembered the fatness of the Korg bass section.This album takes you there. Unique and glorious. I look forward to the next installment. Ask for the Penguin! It may mow you down."