![Angela Test [Limited Edition] [Import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009FHLE4.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 1. Shakma (Drunken Starlit Sky) |
| 2. Whatever |
| 3. Spell |
| 4. As We Walk |
| 5. Angela Test |
| 6. Good Enough |
| 7. Killing Flies |
| 8. Silver Night |
| 9. Transparent |
| 10. Should Have Seen It All |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Limited edition in digi-pak on initial orders only. 2nd studio album from this Icelantic five piece act similar to Radiohead and in some ways more electronic in sound.
Shakma (Drunken Starlit Sky)-A Tour de Force in the world of music. Building, building, building, until the climax, and never failing to impress, it explores all the sounds you will learn are unique to this band.
Whatever- As with the album Breathe, this album starts off with a more mellow, minor song, then goes into a slightly more upbeat one. The vocals, (not just the singing) match perfectly with the off rhythm guitar and the odd drumbeat.
Spell- This song contains the biggest climax in the song, as well as the shortest lead-in to it. This is the fastest paced and loudest song on the album.
As We Walk- Though most likely done unintentionally, this song keeps consistent tones, dynamics, and is overall predictable, which provides a welcome contrast to the previous song.
The Angela Test- This song uses a minor key, and starts off mellow, much like the previous song, but then a chorus chimes in and slowly builds to the excitement. One of the odder songs on the album, but still good.
Good Enough- Upbeat throughout, this is a more mainstream song than typical of Leaves. Makes a good transition from The Angela Test.
Killing Flies- The vocals are particularly good, the addition of piano, used in other tracks but not prominent, is welcome, and though there is a negative mood throughout the song, the singers high notes add a good contrast.
Silver Night- More of the high pitched vocals, typical of the singer, but with a familiar sounding guitar riff and a drum beat to match. Interesting fusion with more mainstream ideas in music.
The Transparent- A bit too much like killing flies, its a mellow song with a minor key that doesn't change much to the end.
Should Have Seen It All- A lengthy conclusion, it explores many of the sounds that are unique to the band, much like Shakma, but with a much different feeling, with more instrumental sounds showcased than in Shakma and a more minimalistic approach to doing so.
Overall, I felt with each song the album went down, but that isn't to say that the album is bad. But Shakma is a stunner, Whatever is a personal favorite of mine, The Spell is pretty good, but as you can see, the ratings slip a little with each song. I think that perhaps arranging the songs in a different order might have added something to this album to send it soaring into echelons of unknown greatness, but song for song, both this album and Breathe, the Leaves stay as my favorite unknown band.
Shakma and The Angela Test have been available as iTunes downloads for some time before the album came out, and these are two significant highlights of the album. The final track "Should have seen it all" is also a wonderful song, very long and with a haunting, mysterious quality. Leaves seem to really have got the knack of putting together catchy songs where the instruments come in in layers. Having seen Leaves live recently, I can say that they are as good live as in the studio, which is often not the case. They can sing in tune, play instruments well - I recommend this album unreservedly.
I was thinking that, these days, I try not to get fooled by the covers. I you look at the new Leaves album cover, "The Angela Test", you feel as if you are going to get the type of album that Coldplay should really have created, if they wanted organic electronica. You may also expect them to have created a rock opera out of jamming. A more accurate usage for the title OK Computer, if you will. But it turns out that if you add the essence of any Doves album you have heard, and you may be right on the money. The OK Computer remark is moot. The best thing about this song is that no song wears out it's welcome, because it is all a part of a beautiful album. Now the opening song sounds impressive and opens with a lush take in what you were supposed to expect. The album opens up with a trip-hop pedal-guitar sliding britpop-emulating success of a song, "Shakmar". It starts off with a slow performance before pulling off an organic electronic rock opera ending at about 4 minutes into the song. And the song is at least 7 minutes and 12 seconds. In "Whatever", they continue the opera and the organic lush feel of the album making us wonder if we should rely on the album after all. "The world keeps spinning, but I'm still here", sings the leader . "As We Walk" is a new take on Coldplay's "Yellow". Maybe even more beautiful now that radio hasn't worn it out yet. If this line hasn't grabbed you yet ("As we walk, the sun comes up because of you/Hypnotized and realized 'cause of you"), you must either have not once coincided your brain and your heart during a record before, or either must not be working well at this point.
The title track will fail at having you find a more upbeat energetic song, because the song has a more Beach Boys meets Doves feel that will get you wondering if you are listening to a polar opposite of Muse's "Absolution" right in the middle. Hey, that's what I am thinking. The song, so far, that may be a bit of a struggling link is "Killing Flies". Even if it is just as crazy and haunting than the rest. It just doesn't fit that well.
The best thing I can say for this song is that it is Leaves' Parachutes, and I would never have been more happy to ride. I would neve have been happy to take a nap on the satellite for a while. Listen to this and you will hear as much of a masterpiece as Doves and the other Icelandic bands I mentioned on top. Oh, and when you do listen, do not skip any song, because it sounds a lot better when a song isn't being skipped. Just be careful, because like Sigur Ros' ( ), it can steal your heart when you least expect it. I'm being literal on my half.
Rating: 7.5/10
Limited edition in digi-pak on initial orders only. 2nd studio album from this Icelantic five piece act similar to Radiohead and in some ways more electronic in sound.
Angela Test,Leaves,Universal Int'l,Iceland,Indie Rock,Pop,Post-Grunge,Rock,Rock/Pop
Angela Test [Limited Edition] [Import]
Average customer rating: 
|
Angela Test
Leaves Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Indie Rock
| Indie & Lo-Fi
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Post Grunge
| American Alternative
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B0009FHLE4 Release Date: 2005-08-22 |
Tracks:
- Shakma (Drunken Starlit Sky)
- Whatever
- Spell
- As We Walk
- Angela Test
- Good Enough
- Killing Flies
- Silver Night
- Transparent
- Should Have Seen It All
Album Description
Limited edition in digi-pak on initial orders only. 2nd studio album from this Icelantic five piece act similar to Radiohead and in some ways more electronic in sound.Customer Reviews:
This Is No Coldplay.......2007-02-25
Shakma (Drunken Starlit Sky)-A Tour de Force in the world of music. Building, building, building, until the climax, and never failing to impress, it explores all the sounds you will learn are unique to this band.
Whatever- As with the album Breathe, this album starts off with a more mellow, minor song, then goes into a slightly more upbeat one. The vocals, (not just the singing) match perfectly with the off rhythm guitar and the odd drumbeat.
Spell- This song contains the biggest climax in the song, as well as the shortest lead-in to it. This is the fastest paced and loudest song on the album.
As We Walk- Though most likely done unintentionally, this song keeps consistent tones, dynamics, and is overall predictable, which provides a welcome contrast to the previous song.
The Angela Test- This song uses a minor key, and starts off mellow, much like the previous song, but then a chorus chimes in and slowly builds to the excitement. One of the odder songs on the album, but still good.
Good Enough- Upbeat throughout, this is a more mainstream song than typical of Leaves. Makes a good transition from The Angela Test.
Killing Flies- The vocals are particularly good, the addition of piano, used in other tracks but not prominent, is welcome, and though there is a negative mood throughout the song, the singers high notes add a good contrast.
Silver Night- More of the high pitched vocals, typical of the singer, but with a familiar sounding guitar riff and a drum beat to match. Interesting fusion with more mainstream ideas in music.
The Transparent- A bit too much like killing flies, its a mellow song with a minor key that doesn't change much to the end.
Should Have Seen It All- A lengthy conclusion, it explores many of the sounds that are unique to the band, much like Shakma, but with a much different feeling, with more instrumental sounds showcased than in Shakma and a more minimalistic approach to doing so.
Overall, I felt with each song the album went down, but that isn't to say that the album is bad. But Shakma is a stunner, Whatever is a personal favorite of mine, The Spell is pretty good, but as you can see, the ratings slip a little with each song. I think that perhaps arranging the songs in a different order might have added something to this album to send it soaring into echelons of unknown greatness, but song for song, both this album and Breathe, the Leaves stay as my favorite unknown band.
I cannot rate this album highly enough.......2006-10-16
Shakma and The Angela Test have been available as iTunes downloads for some time before the album came out, and these are two significant highlights of the album. The final track "Should have seen it all" is also a wonderful song, very long and with a haunting, mysterious quality. Leaves seem to really have got the knack of putting together catchy songs where the instruments come in in layers. Having seen Leaves live recently, I can say that they are as good live as in the studio, which is often not the case. They can sing in tune, play instruments well - I recommend this album unreservedly.
Best Album Of 2005.......2005-10-19
My personal Album of the Year!.......2005-09-15
Average customer rating: 
|
Angela Test
Leaves Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Indie Rock
| Indie & Lo-Fi
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Post Grunge
| American Alternative
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B0009FHKMM Release Date: 2005-08-22 |
Tracks:
- Shakma (Drunken Starlit Sky)
- Whatever
- Spell
- As We Walk
- Angela Test
- Good Enough
- Killing Flies
- Silver Night
- Transparent
- Should Have Seen It All...
Customer Reviews:
Leaves: The Angela Test (Island) .......2005-09-15
I was thinking that, these days, I try not to get fooled by the covers. I you look at the new Leaves album cover, "The Angela Test", you feel as if you are going to get the type of album that Coldplay should really have created, if they wanted organic electronica. You may also expect them to have created a rock opera out of jamming. A more accurate usage for the title OK Computer, if you will. But it turns out that if you add the essence of any Doves album you have heard, and you may be right on the money. The OK Computer remark is moot. The best thing about this song is that no song wears out it's welcome, because it is all a part of a beautiful album. Now the opening song sounds impressive and opens with a lush take in what you were supposed to expect. The album opens up with a trip-hop pedal-guitar sliding britpop-emulating success of a song, "Shakmar". It starts off with a slow performance before pulling off an organic electronic rock opera ending at about 4 minutes into the song. And the song is at least 7 minutes and 12 seconds. In "Whatever", they continue the opera and the organic lush feel of the album making us wonder if we should rely on the album after all. "The world keeps spinning, but I'm still here", sings the leader . "As We Walk" is a new take on Coldplay's "Yellow". Maybe even more beautiful now that radio hasn't worn it out yet. If this line hasn't grabbed you yet ("As we walk, the sun comes up because of you/Hypnotized and realized 'cause of you"), you must either have not once coincided your brain and your heart during a record before, or either must not be working well at this point.
The title track will fail at having you find a more upbeat energetic song, because the song has a more Beach Boys meets Doves feel that will get you wondering if you are listening to a polar opposite of Muse's "Absolution" right in the middle. Hey, that's what I am thinking. The song, so far, that may be a bit of a struggling link is "Killing Flies". Even if it is just as crazy and haunting than the rest. It just doesn't fit that well.
The best thing I can say for this song is that it is Leaves' Parachutes, and I would never have been more happy to ride. I would neve have been happy to take a nap on the satellite for a while. Listen to this and you will hear as much of a masterpiece as Doves and the other Icelandic bands I mentioned on top. Oh, and when you do listen, do not skip any song, because it sounds a lot better when a song isn't being skipped. Just be careful, because like Sigur Ros' ( ), it can steal your heart when you least expect it. I'm being literal on my half.
Rating: 7.5/10
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