Echelon

Editorial Reviews
David Robertson 4/11/99
Portal Theory is the sound of tragic, desperate beauty. It's rythms that rattle and pound with menacing precision. It's chords that murmur gently in an oppressive gloom. It's aching, sublime voices that are as sweet as they are claustrophobic. This is music for biting nails, burning candles, and touching skin. These are songs for your dark side.

Impacted throughout by a pervasive, aching melancholy, Echelon is not an album for the happy-go-lucky outdoors types. Rather, this dense record of manacing tones and spooky, sugary voices challenges even the most hardened miserable git not to be stirred. Perhaps most directly comparable to trip-hop masterminds Massive Attack, Portal Theory absorb a wash of styles and influences into their music - they owe as much to Goth sensibility as they do to Jamaican dub.

Beneath it all are Thomas Hales's musical soundscapes; dark complex structures that weave delicate melodies through hypnotic bass lines, and drums that snap, crackle, and boom on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Surfacing from beneath an otherwise cold, unforgiving sea is vocalist Lisa Trevorrow: a soft, eerie siren who occasionally reminds one of Bjork or Everything But the Girl's Tracey Thorn. It is Trevorrow's voice, in fact, that sets Echelon apart from other records in the same genre: her ability to convincingly combine sweetness and terror are virtually unparalleled.

The disc opens with the forbidding instrumental Journey Under Lifes Every Soul and then barely remits for its entire 65 minutes. Through Another State of Dreaming and It Comes From There, Trevorrow and Hale skillfully build up the impenetrable, gorgeous gloom to their heart's content. April Rain's pleasant melodies offer a momentary break in the fog, but inevitably, the track segues into the frantic Chronic, with its panicky, skittering snare punctuating Trevorrow's desperate lethargy. The disc continues to sail effortlessly through hopeful reprieve and oppressive menace, reaching its pinnacle at Environ, a tune so lovely that chills still follow hours after the last notes have swept and faded. By all accounts greater than the sum of its parts, Echelon is an intense experience.

This is not to say that it's without some flaws. After 65 minutes, the somber atmosphere is enough to leave the unsuspecting feeling absolutely crippled. And the penultimate track, 6000 miles, is a bit of a red herring - it attempts uplift to the point of absurdity. it's too little too late, and it's not necessary anyway.

Thankfully, the album closes solidly with the wordless India Calling, which, while keeping with the mood of the rest of the material, does perhaps imply that things might be looking up eventually. It's an appropriate curtain call for what has been a willfully unsettling show. All in all, Echelon is an outstanding work - well-recommended for anyone who likes to take the fall and still look pretty.

About the Artist
Portal Theory are Lisa Trevorrow and Thomas Hale with guest vocalist Victoria Lloyd of Claire Voyant singing on the track Siren.

Lisa Trevorrow, a Detroit native, has been fronting various bands for the past seven years. Since relocating to California in 1997, she has divided her time between her modern rock act the deepfield, and the trip-hop outfit Portal Theory. Beginning with a folk music background and early comparisons to Natalie Merchant, Trevorrow's languid, engaging style is now more... read more

Album Description
This new release is a dense record of manacing tones and spooky, sugary voices challenges even the most hardened miserable git not to be stirred. - David Robertson

Echelon

Echelon, Music, Portal Theory

Best of the Red Army Choir
Average customer rating:

Soviet Army Band & Chorus aren't taking any prisoners!

Good music.

Magnificent!

I loved it!

The ultimate collection

Best of the Red Army Choir
Red Army Choir
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Soviet Army Chorus & Band

Russian Favourites

The Hunt For Red October: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Best of Communism: Revolutionary Songs

Echoes of a Red Empire

ASIN: B000066RMJ
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Kalinka
Partisan's Song
Souliko
Korobelniki
On The Road (A Soldier's Song)
My Country
The Red Army Is The Strongest
Moscow Nights
Along Peterskaia Street
Smuglianka
Troika Gallop
Ah Nastassia
Echelon's Song
My Army
Civil War Songs
Bella Ciao

Tracks:

National Anthem Of The USSR
Oh Fields, My Fields
The Cliff
The Cossacks
In The Central Steppes
Gandzia
Cossack's Song
The Roads
Song Of The Volga Boatman
Dark Eyes
Let's Go
The Birch Tree
The Road Song
The Samovars
Varchavianka
Slavery And Suffering

Customer Reviews:

Soviet Army Band & Chorus aren't taking any prisoners!.......2007-05-12

If you enjoy a good stiring martial male chorus then spend some time with these guys. They're all graduates of Soviet musical acadamies and any one of them could have graced the top opera houses of the world. You don't have to know any Russian to appreciate this CD. The songs are glorious (just don't translate them -- machine guns, death to foes, etc.), and will make you want to march on Berlin all over again.

Good music........2007-03-09

I had heard a few songs by the Red Army Choir in the past and happened upon this CD set a while back, I found it to be far better than I had hoped and would reccoment it to anyone who enjoys Russian folk music, choir in general, and cultural items from when Russia was still the Soviet Union.

Magnificent!.......2007-02-27

I'm so glad I stumbled onto this.

Spirited, committed, manly singing. Soul-shaking stuff! The ensemble is incisive; soloists are marvelous. The folk melodies are enchanting. The songs--and the singers--are bound up in the cultural fabric of the Cossacks, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky...on and on.., Chekhov, Trotsky, Nabakov... This music conveys the great romantic, dignified, boistrous soul of the Russian People. (Loosely speaking. Some members of the chorus were presumably of other nationalities once part of the Soviet Union. And some of the songs are not Russian).

I don't speak Russian, but listening to this makes me wish I did. What a beautiful-sounding language it is.

I loved it!.......2007-02-22

Even though I cannot speak Russian, the quality of this choral group is beyond excellent. Many of these pieces are extremely moving and stirring. The rendering of the Soviet anthem and the song "Let's Go" (V'put) come to my mind. "Let's Go" became a huge hit in Russia when it was featured in a movie about the Great Patriotic War, and indeed, hearing it - you can well imagine ranks upon ranks of hard-eyed, grim-faced Soviet soldiers striding into battle against the Wehrmacht.

The ultimate collection.......2004-06-15

Excellent performance by the choir and the orchestra. The grandeur, the charm, and the romance! Great collection of songs, sure to bring back memories!

Average customer rating:

Totally infectious
Surprisingingly enjoyable stuff

Shostakovich: Waltzes

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shostakovich: The Jazz Album
Shostakovich: The Film Album
Shostakovich: Ballet Suites Nos. 1-4
Shostakovich: Cheryomushki, The Bolt, The Gadfly (The Dance Album)
Jazz Suites 1 & 2

ASIN: B00001IVR2
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Tracks:

Shostakovich Waltzes

Customer Reviews:

Totally infectious.......2003-01-07

Shostakovich is mostly known for his serious works, his symphonies and string quartets, however he wrote a large number of film, incidental, and ballet music. This CD compiles many of his waltzes and some other pieces from these. While this is mainly what could be considered "light" music, many of the pieces have wonderful melodies and coloful orchestrations.

Some of my favorite waltzes include the one from Return of Maxim, the one from Golden Hills, and the one from The First Echelon (aka Waltz #2 from the 2nd Jazz Suite). Beyond the waltzes there are some other pieces, including the famous Polka from The Age of Gold and Folk Festival (Spanish Dance) from The Gadfly.

The only caveat is that some of the pieces don't reference their original source (rather they are listed as being from various ballet suites, when they in fact come from The Limpid Stream and other sources), but this is a very minor complaint. The performance and sound is wonderful, and unless you are one who can't stand this sort of compilation, it gets my highest recommendation.

Surprisingingly enjoyable stuff.......1999-10-04

After years of my hearing and not thinking very much of Shastakovich's symphonies, this Delos delight came as a total surprise. Containing just under an hour of mostly waltzes mixed with some polkas, a galop, and even setting of "Tahiti Trot" (inspired by "Tea for Two" of all things), this concert gives us a rare chance to hear a good deal of music this composer wrote for films seldom if ever seen outside of Russia as well as some more familiar stuff from his ballets. Not one really great piece, nor not really boring one. Just a boxful of what Thomas Beecham used to call "Bonbons" from a very unexpected source. Lots of fun from Delos.

Average customer rating:

Oneiros
Outputmessage
Manufacturer: Echelon Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Nebulae

ASIN: B0002TG0LC
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

REM State
Tossing & Turning
Depression Cycle
Stillness
Keeping Time
Home
Switch
Oneiros
Trespassing Sunshine

Album Description

"Oneiros" is Outputmessage's first release for Echelon Productions, The album kicks off with the somnambulant wash of "R.E.M. State," a straightforward uptempo track propelled by a four-on-the-floor beat and a cartwheeling synth line that morphs from subtle fireworks into a flamethrower before the beat disintegrates into a dreamy sonic haze. "Depression Cycle" begins as one of the album's more challenging tracks, a collage of twitching creature noises and stabbing horror movie strings moving through odd time signatures - but once the minimal house beat kicks in, all falls into place and the monsters are dancing. Just as the atmosphere gets too tense, Barney embraces his inner b-boy with "Stillness," a lazy, hazy downtempo Cadillac cruise complete with digital backspins and DSP beat-juggles. "Switch" anchors classic Jarre-ing ambience with a dusty bassline and midtempo break, while the sepia-toned strings of album-closer "Trespassing Sunshine" recall the eerie minimalism of Steve Reich as filtered through "Soft Bulletin" psychedelia.

Average customer rating:

Entitled
Person
Manufacturer: Echelon Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000FR8U2I
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Fall of Perception (f/ Outputmessage)
Valid Concerns
You Ain't Hot (f/ Young Rae)
Motives
Who Do You Want Me to Be?
Momentary Bliss
Neither Forgiving Nor Forgetting
New Monogamy
Pharisee Pride
Business Class

Product Description

The Person full-length, Entitled, is a comment on the fallibility of humanity, and many of the songs play off of one another in an ostensibly contradictory fashion. It follows a protagonist who is in search of truth, but fumbles along the way. Entitled starts off with an almost cautionary sci-fi epic tale, The Fall of Perception, produced by Outputmessage (Ghostly International/Melodic/Echelon Productions). Throughout the album, Person denounces, then succumbs, to the insatiable desires of the sensory overload within this hyperreal environment. Valid Concerns, an indie rock/IDM club jam, voices thoughts of what he should do to find that special someone, even if just for one night. You Aint Hot, featuring Young Rae (Echelon Productions), is a scathing criticism of todays pop world, achieved by successfully imitating the tried and tired formula of todays pop charters. Motives takes a Phariseean approach to the one-night stand: by giving in, yet placing the blame on the other person. Who Do You Want Me to Be? explores how we all adjust our personalities to satiate what we desire. Neither Forgiving Nor Forgetting is an angry banger calling out the shortcomings of a former lover and by doing so, calling out his own. Although there are critical lyrics, Person concedes that he still surrenders to the ideals of todays consumer-driven culture in the album closer, Business Class.

Average customer rating:

Shiver
Echelon
Manufacturer: Liquid Disc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000RDZVTK

Product Description

10 tracks: kneel * crawl * strain * sail * i am listening * break loose * sweet scented tragedy * heart of the wise * follow * i know

Average customer rating:

End of the Sweet Parade
Stamen & Pistols
Manufacturer: Echelon Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0008GN8E6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Hand Painted Characters
Somewhere In Between the Beginning and the Middle
Peonies & Dahlia Petals
Penny Farthing Fair
Boys Vs. Girls
She the Widow, the Child Who Follows
Sleep for the Bells
Friction (Pts. 1 & 2)

Product Description

End of the Sweet Parade, the debut release from Washington DCs Stamen & Pistils, is a collection of songs that aim to illustrate some of the follies of youth. The observation of uncertainty in ones self and others, and the result of perhaps putting too much of an emphasis on ones expecations of others. But now weve reached the end. The songs tell excerpts of stories that speak of the time passed, and that contained with each instant. The company of friends, the embrace of lovers, rivalries engaged, a cathartic peak, and humbled hopes. The real focus of attention here is the sincerity in lyricism, self-effacing and at once honest. Mixed by improvised electronic noise artist and sound designer Derek Morton of the Mykroknyes, and mastered by Alan Douches (Animal Collective, Def Jux, Her Space Holiday), the band present here an unconventional pop record. From the dense RIL-esque opener Hand Painted Characters, through the futuristic aggression crest of Boys Vs. Girls, to the innocent calm-after-the-storm sparseness of Friction, Stamen & Pistils strike a balance between folksy acoustic stylings and left of center electronic sounds.

Average customer rating:

Overall a good album
Like Portishead - But not!

Echelon

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000JWAX
Release Date: 1999-07-01

Tracks:

Journey Under Lifes Every Soul
Another State Dreaming
It comes from there
April rain
Chronic
Womb
Environ
Siren
India Calling
Echo
To breathe
6000 miles

Album Description

This new release is a dense record of manacing tones and spooky, sugary voices challenges even the most hardened miserable git not to be stirred. - David Robertson

Customer Reviews:

Overall a good album.......2002-01-24

The first time I listened to this CD I was at first disappointed. But its because I was flipping through the first few seconds of each song. When I finally really let this album play, I really REALLY enjoyed it. I would recommend it, but give it a chance. A good relaxing album, smooth sexy soft vocals. I am looking for similar artist to this, if anyone has any recommendations please email: ...

Like Portishead - But not!.......2000-04-18

Like most Portishead, Lamb, Esthero fans... i await their releases with dread that it will not come soon enough. But upon stumbling onto Portal Theory, my appetite was satiated. I can guarantee that this is no jump on the dark London underground bandwagon album (I've gone through plenty of those awaiting releases) this is new, inspired, original stuff... I LOVE IT!

Average customer rating:

This is a MUST OWN album!
These guys are good
Echelon is the BEST!
Praise to God
Echelon Rocks

Core

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00003E4GN
Release Date: 1998-03-03

Tracks:

My Life
Yahweh
Eyes Are Open
See the Wind
Bridging the Gap
94th & Sunset
Big Two Hearted River
Talk to Me
Follow
polish
Dead (Now That I Am)
Only You in Me
A New Hymn

Album Description

Ever evolving, Echelon solidifies their sound on this, their second release. From acoustic groove to '80's insprired rock and a four-part a capella tune, these four transplants to the Midwest master their instruments and continue their message of hope and love through Jesus Christ. The title, Core, suggests a true cohesion of both musical and spiritual elements.

Customer Reviews:

This is a MUST OWN album!.......2004-06-11

For fans of Indie Rock, Echelon is one band you must own. Stylistically they weigh-in from straight ahead rock to Jimmy Buffet infused acoustic tunes, an acapella piece to an instrumental.

Lyrically you'll found profound spiritual questions from "Dead (Now that I am)" to "Eyes are Open" Echelon leaves you feeling good about having rocked out to this album.

These guys are good.......2000-07-03

Lucky me! I was at a youth gathering this week and got to see Echelon perform a couple of times. Not only is their music terrific and positive, but the bandmembers are just the nicest guys! This is one of the best christian bands I've ever had the oppurtunity to listen to. They give "gospel music" and whole new edge =)

Echelon is the BEST!.......2000-02-28

I have seen them, heard them, and own there CD's. They are the BEST!

Praise to God.......2000-01-27

Echelon is awesome! Their voices are raised in these beautiful, catchy songs to praise God. Modern Christian band full of talent. They'll be appearing at my church for a concert, so they must be good! :)

Echelon Rocks.......1999-11-23

I have got to say that I love this album. The songs are faith filled, and encouraging. They grasp the feelings that we've all had at one time or another. I have had the privilage to have known these 4 awesome guys for over 4 years, and I thank God for the ministry and friendship. I guarentee that you will not be disapointed with this, or any other Echelon album!