Hi people! Autornative here and with my first ever album review. Well today's review is BT’s (Brian Wayne Transeau) "This Binary Universe", his fifth studio album, released back in 2006 on both CD and DVD. It features an interesting blend of glitch, orchestral , electronica and ambient music. The DVD version is one being reviewed here and I recommend good headphones to go with it to fully appreciate the DTS 5.1 surround mastering ( if don’t have a good pair , there is also a stereo sound option ) . But enough about that, here is the play list and my view on the tracks:
1. All That Makes Us Human Continues
- Truly a great intro and at same time, a track which clearly contrasts with BT’s masterful use of the shutter edit. The elementals of the track are nicely produced and the track has a slight melancholic yet hopeful feel. I like the way the guitar lines up with the glitch elementals and the bells. (4/ 5 )
2. Dynamic Symmetry
- Something more ambient and at the same time, resembling electronica. A flavored track with a slight touch of glitch. This is more energetic than the previous track which I say is a good choice. It has interesting use of samples recorded from sea gulls and has an almost lounge-ish feel midway
into the track. Refreshing to listen to, and preparing you for what’s to come. ( 3.5/ 5 )
3. The Internal Locus - Named after internal locus of control (I believe), this track has two sides to it. Starting off with rain then progressing into some more like marching music with cheery sounds and drum rolls but then it slowly makes it way to the other side (which is rather short) of the track filled glitch and ending with an ambient interlude. ( 3.5 / 5 )
4. 1.618
- 1.618 is the golden ratio(that is interestingly used in the track) which is a ratio which not only fascinated mathematicians like Pythagoras , Euclid and Roger Penrose but biologist , artist , musicians and architects alike and this track I would say does some justice to it . Taking a darker stance, with a little guitar to compliment, then changing into a more ambient and beautiful track with a sad yet slightly epic feel (an epic feeling which is a bit present in the track but not overpowering) . ( 4/ 5 )
5. See You On The Other Side
- Mystical and somewhat melancholic with hopeful and cheery undertones. This track aptly follows 1.618 as a sort of afterglow. This track tells a story of regret, but yet at the same time gratitude, for those who have passed on. All of the elements fit nicely and it does its purpose. An easy track to listen to and to reminisce while alone, this track is one of my favorites of this album. ( 4.5 / 5 )
6. The Antikythera Mechanism
- Named after the oldest known complex scientific calculator, this is another beautiful tune accented with a piano and a filled the sense of wonder with a slight undertone of mystery. This track's guitar stutter edit serves as the main menu track for the DVD and when you hear it, the mystery becomes even more complex and a tense sensation comes in, then it drops back into the flows of piano and adventure but this time, it's accompanied with glitch elements; finally building up into an anthemic tune with some glitch parts. (4 / 5 )
7. Good Morning Kaia
This time this tune is a bit more personal, a tune dedicated to his daughter Kaia. I won’t say much of this track since I will let you this decide on this tune. ( ? / 5 )
Overall This Binary Universe is not only an album but also an audio sculpture (if you want to get all artsy) complimenting this grammy nominated artist's past. I cannot stress how enjoyable this listen was. As I mainly focus on the music I cannot rate the videos that go with the music on the DVD version. The best place to get this would be any good online retailer (if you are the kind that legally gets their music) though I am not sure if they keep 5.1 surround sound. Listening to this in stereo downgrades the clarity and experience. Musically interesting and entertain this album requires patience and a certain taste but may fall short in some areas when it comes to execution in some tracks (which I won’t describe for simplicity sake’s). A true masterpiece in synthesis and modern composition, I give it a 4.5 / 5 as it just below perfect .
Disclaimer: This review does not reflect the view of Seafield FM but the view of the
reviewer .
- Autornative
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