Orb* - Cydonia

This is probably the most criticized release in the history of The Orb, although I'm not sure why. Since 'Orblivion', they've headed in a different direction compared to 'U.F.Orb' and 'Orbus Terrarum'. Dense, compact songs are now favoured over epic, ambient soundscapes. Sonically, it actually resembles their first album ('Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld') as the tracks range from pop to dance to dub, all in an Orbish, ambient fashion. It's pretty accomplished if you ask me, and definitely not a retread.

With follow-up 'Bicycles & Tricycles' and especially on their most recent album 'Okie Dokie It's The Orb On Kompakt', they continue to crystallize the true Orb sound. This sound is the same sonically rich ambient house we all know and love but expressed in shorter songs. Think 'Little Fluffy Clouds' instead of 'A Huge Evergrowing Pulsating Brain'.

This album really doesn't get going for me until the end. Mile Long Lump of Lard is a decent stomper, but it sounds distorted at certain points on my version of the CD. Thursday's Keeper finally goes off into dub-space and Terminus soars off into the infinite. A very nice way to end the album. It feels like one huge sonic flange. In the grand sheme of the universe I'd have to say that this is not a super important album. It sort of feels like leftover songs from Orblivion or something. Not bad, but not great.

I'm not sure why a lot of people give this album a bad rap. If you like ambient music, and have discovered that other place in your mind, then this album wisks you there. Sure there are a couple (two tops) of crossover tracks here, but hey LX needs to make a living. Doesn't he?
This album isn't generic, it's name brand Orb. In fact, I'm listening to it now.
If you fully disagree with my commentary, then you haven't given the album a fair chance.
- Promis- has a lot of cool sounds, and is enlightening.
- Ghost Dancing- let's you dance with ghosts
- Turn it down- Needs to be turned up!
- Plum Island- Is a secret that should be told (Listen
beyond the vocals)
- Hamlet of Kings is a great track (Look for a psy-remix
of this track on Alex's 'Voyage into Paradise'
compilation. It's listed as 'The Rob-4 Horseman')
- Thursday's Keeper- evolves into a masterful composition
- Terminus - Dub Masterpiece it is!

I'm not sure why a lot of people give this album a bad rap. If you like ambient music, and have discovered that other place in your mind, then this album wisks you there. Sure there are a couple (two tops) of crossover tracks here, but hey LX needs to make a living. Doesn't he?
This album isn't generic, it's name brand Orb. In fact, I'm listening to it now.
If you fully disagree with my commentary, then you haven't given the album a fair chance.
- Promis- has a lot of cool sounds, and is enlightening.
- Ghost Dancing- let's you dance with ghosts
- Turn it down- Needs to be turned up!
- Plum Island- Is a secret that should be told (Listen
beyond the vocals)
- Hamlet of Kings is a great track (Look for a psy-remix
of this track on Alex's 'Voyage into Paradise'
compilation. It's listed as 'The Rob-4 Horseman')
- Thursday's Keeper- evolves into a masterful composition
- Terminus - Dub Masterpiece it is!