Review Summary: Dark Model tells a great story with this epic piece of conceptual art. I was mesmerized from the first track all the way through the finale. It's truly one of the best electronica albums I've listened to in a while.
Dark Model tells a great story with this epic piece of conceptual art. I was mesmerized from the first track all the way through the finale. It's truly one of the best electronica albums I've listened to in a while.
An exciting, upbeat staccato strings section opens “Prelude” before transitioning into a larger, thrilling section with horns and percussion. The second track, “Avalon”, is a driving rhythmic song that has all of the elements of a great film trailer. It opens with a dance of low brass and high woodwinds before establishing a bombastic section of sustained melodic fanfare. “Rage and Redemption” begins with a strong bass section before weaving in a sequence of larger-than-life choral motifs full of emotion. An epic battle soundtrack with climaxes and resolutions interwoven into a grand work.
The fourth track of the Saga album, “Survivors” has a beautifully arcing melodic line that provides the listeners with hints of nostalgic montage scenes of superheroes and heroines. The fifth track, “Inferno Suite”, begins with a wonderful choral section before transitioning into sections of staccato choral motifs, low brass, and percussion building toward a climactic ending. A nice cinematic piece, “Labyrinth” displays a classical style with strings and piano instrumentation. It’s lovely.
The story continues with “Storm Goddess” as percussion and strings provide an introduction into a melodic theme that segues to a relaxed middle section before returning to the main melody of the song. “Danse Macabre” is just that. It adds diversity to the Saga. With its upbeat introduction, the work transitions into and Eastern-themed melody accompanied by quick, repetitive choral sequences.
The antepenultimate track, “Elegy 1”, provides a gorgeous opening piano section that gives rise to several wind instruments sharing a beautiful melody that builds into the sounds of a full orchestra in epic style. The finale, “Dawn of Resurrection”, begins with reflections via sequences by a synthesizer before revisiting elements used in the other songs of the album. A true finale to this emotional journey.
Dark Model (Tatsuya Oe and Captain Funk) has truly made a memorable piece of art.
