Search - Motorpsycho :: Angles & Demons at Play

Motorpsychedelic pathcwork

Tore Skogseth | Greenville, MI USA | 02/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Angels and Daemons at Play (AADAP) is one of the more unusual albums from Motorpsycho. Released as 3 EP's or one CD or 3 LP's, all issues have different tracklists. When released as 3 EP's, each had it's separate mood, whereas the 1 CD edition captures all these three moods on one disc, thus creating a patchwork effect. It all starts off with Sideway Spiral I, a dreamy tune with lots of phaser use and the voice of Snah (guitarist Hans Magnus Ryan) creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Walking on the Water follows, a driving rocker which could (and should) have been a hit single from the album, before they enter heroin hell with Heartattack Mac (just like David Bowie tried to punch cocaine in the face with Crack City back in his Tin Machine days). They calm down with Pills, Powders and Passionplays, a wonderful, laid-back tune with an interesting and un-rock-like drumming before the heavy hitting, yet melancholic In The Family ends the first part of the CD.Then there is Un Chien D'Espace. This monster of a song was originally written and performed as music for Dali/Bunuel's surrealistic masterpiece Un Chien Andalou. They showcase masterful psychedelia, but first and foremost a wonderful sense of melody and mood.The CD's final five tracks start out with Sideway Spiral II - it returns with an edgy vengeance. The alternative britpoppy Like Always follows, before they calm down again with Stalemate. The second should-have-been hit single would be Starmelt/Lovelight, before it ends with the extremely heavy cacophony that makes up Timothy's Monster.AADAP is a record with ups and downs, containing everything from quiet moments to chronic earache. Even though it is not Motorpsycho's best album, it is definately worth your while, money, and effort."

Moodswings

Johncagebubblegum | Holland | 10/29/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have always been intrigued with the Norwegian band Motorpsycho; particularly because their music constantly evolves. They started out as one of Norway's many heavy metal-bands, but soon grew out to a band that should get much more credit than they get now (only one review of AADAP is really Motorpsycho-unworthy) because of the extreme mix of styles in their work: pop, rock, grunge, metal, jazz, noise. It never sounds forced; it's just completely natural.Angels And Daemons At Play serves well as an introductory album, and I really consider this to be one of their best. There isn't a weak song to be found. It starts off with "Sideway Spiral 1", a pretty and slightly weird acoustic opener, but don't let this fool you as "Walking On The Water" may sound like a quite ordinary pop/rock song (it grows with every listen, I have to add), it's followed by the amazing "Heartattack Mac": a 7-minute rock-monster. I always hated screaming vocals in songs, and this was actually the first time I didn't have a problem with it. Its actually one of my favorites: dark and moody, but with actually a great melody and a fine balance between loud and quiet. Then off to another favorite: "Pills, Powders And Passionplays": an amazing, eerie and haunting melody that'll stick in your head for quite a long time. A grower too, so it gets even better with repeated listenings. "In The Family" is quite instantly loveable, as well as "Un Chien D'Espace". That sounds weird, because it stretches up to 13 minutes; making it obviously the centerpiece of the album. Well... it's beautiful, what can I say? It has an awkward kind of atmosphere, which the singing saw only adds to. The song is full of tension because of long, quiet, melodic parts which are followed by louder eruptions. Great."Sideway Spiral 2" is a nice rocker, obviously inspired on 70's-rock, but not as great as "Like Always" is: a tune by guitarist Snah which is nothing less than brilliant: upbeat, a great melody... Hear it once and you'll be sold. "Stalemate" is nice and soft; with Bent's whispering singing it's another favorite on the album, as well as "Starmelt/Lovelight"; which always reminds me of the Pumpkins for some reason. The album closes with "Timothy's Monster"; a chaotic lump of noise with Bent screaming his lungs out, but boy... it has it's impact alright.I have a LOT of CD's, and AADAP has been added to my collection only a few days ago, but it's already one of my favorite albums. The album has so many moods, but at the same time it's a completely logical and flowing album. That's what makes it so great. Get this album; it's worth every penny. If you like it, don't forget to check out Motorpsycho's other albums as well; they're all fantastic in their own way."