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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The second album by the Manchester three piece has a lot to live up to. The debut was a masterclass in thrilling modern prog-rock, and 2005's ep 'The Astronaut Dismantles HAL' added more sheen and sci-fi imagery into the mix. 'Insider' offers even more: more complex song structures, more crisp production, more mental Keith Moon style drumming, and more crushing guitar riffs with layer upon layer of fuzz and distortion. Needless to say, it doesn't disappoint. Opening instrumental 'Gustav's Arrival' sets out Amplifier's manifesto from the first shriek of feedback. The guitars are staggering big and heavy and quickly give way to the band's most original element: Sel Balamir's amazing, twisty-turny lead guitar hooks. Listening to them is akin to being a passenger driven at top speed along a winding mountain road with a madman at the wheel. Muse's Matt Bellamy surely will be taking notes: 'Must try harder'. The album itself consists of a range of variations on their central sound. Sometimes the sheer wall of noise (god knows how many guitar overdubs each song must have)detracts from the tunes, other times it is integral. While perhaps lacking as much variety as the previous releases, there is certainly enough here to get very excited about. In particular, 'O Fortuna', 'Strange Seas of Thought' and 'Procedures' make an instant impression, balancing the crazed guitar riffs with memorable tunes and vocal phrases. The other songs will certain benefit the listener with more plays. The only criticism could be that after such an explosive opening, the album struggles to reach such dizzy heights again. However, this is really picking at straws, and if you like intelligent rock that doesn't tread the mainstream path (think Oceansize, Tool, Cave In), then this is for you.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The self titled album and subsequent EP had quality written all over... This is no different, and for my money it pushes the envelope even further.
I wont bother with a track by track review, as the album needs to be enjoyed as a cohesive whole, no skip buttons needed here!
I have no idea who to compare Amplifier to, I have never heard a sound quite like theirs. Oceansize perhaps offer a similar magnitude to their sound, but this is a whole new beast altogether - heavy, vast soundscapes, a wall of sound at times, relentless - but it never feels overwhelming. Lyrics are at times profound, but easy to comprehend.
If anything this is more accessible than their first efforts, in my opinion at least - or it may just be because i now know more of what to expect. Either way, this wont be leaving my CD player for a long time. Believe the reviews (Kerrang, a straight 5/5 for instance) for once, they aren't hype, Amplifier are the real deal, they deliver in the studio, they deliver live, and hopefully this album will deliver them the success they so richly deserve.
Volume dials were made for bands like this.
I wont bother with a track by track review, as the album needs to be enjoyed as a cohesive whole, no skip buttons needed here!
I have no idea who to compare Amplifier to, I have never heard a sound quite like theirs. Oceansize perhaps offer a similar magnitude to their sound, but this is a whole new beast altogether - heavy, vast soundscapes, a wall of sound at times, relentless - but it never feels overwhelming. Lyrics are at times profound, but easy to comprehend.
If anything this is more accessible than their first efforts, in my opinion at least - or it may just be because i now know more of what to expect. Either way, this wont be leaving my CD player for a long time. Believe the reviews (Kerrang, a straight 5/5 for instance) for once, they aren't hype, Amplifier are the real deal, they deliver in the studio, they deliver live, and hopefully this album will deliver them the success they so richly deserve.
Volume dials were made for bands like this.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When I first heard Amplifier I considered that they were an inferior version of Oceansize but with this album (and on subsequently re-listening to the 1st album and the interim mini-album) I really have changed my mind and would definitely consider them superior to Oceansize.
With "Insider" I immediately thought that the sound reminded me of something else but I couldn't put my finger on it until I realised that it is very reminiscent of Hemispheres era Rush. Of course you then start to see the other similarities - Let's hope that Amplifier don't develop a penchant for accoustic guitar intros, keyboards & silk shirts!
With "Insider" I immediately thought that the sound reminded me of something else but I couldn't put my finger on it until I realised that it is very reminiscent of Hemispheres era Rush. Of course you then start to see the other similarities - Let's hope that Amplifier don't develop a penchant for accoustic guitar intros, keyboards & silk shirts!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
How to dismantle a band...
well luckily I heard The Octopus first! The band is definitely in there but the production is horrendous making a good band sound average (think Solstice "Silent dance" for those... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mr. A. E. Green
Good
But that's a bit of a disappointing statement. Their debut album was one of the best I've heard in years, and is something that I listen to constantly. Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2007 by Booker
Better than Cillit Bang & more tuneful...Ask Barry Scott.
We are really into the good stuff here. It's a ....Monster.
I used to go for Domestos but then Tesco Value came along & it was Moon river all over again. Read more
I used to go for Domestos but then Tesco Value came along & it was Moon river all over again. Read more
Published on 21 Sep 2007 by Philip Gooderham
A bit disappointing
Don't get me wrong, this album is good but it could have been so much better. Amplifier have a relentless talent for creating thumping Prog. Read more
Published on 1 Aug 2007 by S. Jordan
If "The Big Bang" had a soundtrack, it would be by Amplifier...
Mind-boggling how just 3 blokes can make such powerful, yet intricate and sophisticated music - not just on disc, but live also. Read more
Published on 8 Nov 2006 by P. W. Moore
Marvellous, magic, monstrous!
Wow, what can I say about this? Being a huge huge fan of the debut album and the EP I had great expectations for this. I am not disappointed one single bit! Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2006 by S. K. Lawrence
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