Ariels

by

Bent

Edit

First of all I'd like to say that Bent are the most consistent producers that I have had the chance to hear.

"Programmed to Love" was as one of the finest debut albums I've ever heard. "Everlasting Blink" was a very nice follow up to the debut release. "Ariels" shows me that this duo has perfected their style in a magnificent way.

This release is one of the finest works released this decade. It starts out with a few slower tempo songs that have a very nice feel. This really helps set a tone for the rest of the album. Soon we begin to see the complexity that this group has to offer as we progress through the album. The mixture of exquisite instruments layered upon perfectly chosen vocal tracks reveals a quality of production and song writing very rarely experienced in popular music. With the duo's "Exercise 4" we get a wonderful bit of electronic fun just before they sink into "The Waters Deep", the last track on the album. Which puts the so called 'cherry on top' of this tasty treat for all to enjoy just before we start the CD over again.

I myself can't seem to take this album out of my car. Everytime I feel like listening to something really amazing it's right there to make everthing alright. I for one can't wait for the next release from Bent. They've made themselves into something special that all music fans can appreciate for one reason or aonther. For anything from the variety of instruments, vocalists, and equipment used to the pure quality of production. And yet the song writing may be the strongest quality displayed in "Ariels".

It isn't the individual attributes of this duo that really brings them to life. It is the style in which they combine these qualities and the consistency with which they do so.

If you haven't heard of Bent it's probably time you buy one of their albums. You can't go wrong!