Christopher Lee http://ChristopherLee.fuzz.com Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:49:32 -0800 Fuzz.com en http://www.fuzz.com/ http://www.fuzz.com/_/images/logo/blimp.png http://ChristopherLee.fuzz.com/blog/entry/999-Seconds-Album-Release http://ChristopherLee.fuzz.com/blog/entry/999-Seconds-Album-Release#comments
Though the album is without a cohesive genre or sound, behind the various atmospheres lies a significant central theme--time. Each melody paints a different image; each song defines a different facet of time. Like a jigsaw puzzle, completed they function as one: Together they are "999 Seconds."

"High-voltage": As the name suggests, "High-voltage" is a vigorous opening track driven by surging basslines, electrical sounds and relentless rhythms. A relatively short track by nature, it reflects the violent forward motion in society--the push, the rush to succeed before our temporary (and arguably, brief) lives are over.

"Spanish Ritual": Spanish guitars and ritualistic percussion constitute the aptly named "Spanish Ritual." The mood of this track alternates between slow and intense (deeper drum and guitar picking) and quick and headstrong (shaker, congas, and guitar strumming), reflecting the cycle of life as a whole. In addition, the rain at the beginning and end serves to strengthen this idea: Not only does history repeat itself, but as humans we return to our origins in the end.

"Crystal Petals": Imagine taking a walk through a snow-covered forest while a chilly breeze circulates through the trees. After half an hour of wandering, you stumble upon a sparkling clearing. Upon nearing it, you discover thousands of flowers frozen--petals, leaves, and all. As the chimes begin to fade, the ice defrosts leaving a miraculous field of brilliant color. Though it is still a sight amazing to behold, the rare and awe-inspiring image of "Crystal Petals" no longer exists. A simple concept lies here: Enjoy the beauty of life and nature before it's too late.

"!solation": Easily the most electronic-influenced track on the album, "!solation" intertwines the themes of desolation and urgency (hence the exclamation point in the name). A slow and melancholy atmosphere develops into a desperate emergency, complete with crashing synths and heartbeat kick drum thumps. "!solation" captures the urgency of moments in which we face obstacles in solitude and without support.

"Anthem of the Silent": With such a (paradox for) a title, there should be little surprise that "Anthem of the Silent" is full of subtleties easily overlooked during the first listen. Meticulous orchestration and intricate ambient sounds constitute an atmosphere of introspection and reminiscence. A personal track summing up the ideas of the album, "Anthem of the Silent" presents a journey through the past and the present, the triumphs and regrets of life.]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:24:17 -0800 http://ChristopherLee.fuzz.com/blog/entry/999-Seconds-Album-Release