REVIEW: Violet Arcana, In The Scene Of The Mind (EinProdukt)
- Scott Williams
The rich sound of Violet Arcana's debut album In The Scene of the Mind, combines ambient's textural arrangements - organic and synthesized elements relate on a sonic playground - but the delivery finds more in common with groups like Erasure or electronic visionaries, Kraftwerk.
Regardless, the techno sensibility remains undeniable. Where trance induces a dream state mainly through the juxtaposition of its rhythm patterns, and is wordless fodder for the foundry of imagination, Violet Arcana breaks with convention, looping lyric samples with the music to inspire the listener. Still, while this techno-head is accustomed to a more psycho-active involvement, David Duddleston and Jeremy Wells prove to be effective, if not superior, tour guides. On the very positive side, many will find In the Scene of the Mind far more accessible than common techno; the cd echews mantric syncopation for melodic diversity.
Some will attempt to categorize it, but the music does not warrant such treatment. If forced, you can call Violet Arcana's work electronic mood music, or perhaps eclectic cerebral pop for the nineties.
For information on purchasing this disc, EinProdukt can be contacted via the Internet at 73473.622@compuserve.com or at:
P.O. Box 19142
Portland OR 97280
