No Silence

It seems Andre Tanneberger has run of of ideas, and has decided to produce easy pop in order to generate more money. I knew I'd be let down by this as soon as I'd heard the release date. Yet again, after barely a year since the ok 'Addicted to Music', ATB was releasing another album. I really hoped he'd make an effort this time to go back to his roots and maybe take more than a fortnight to make it. This does, however, not mean simply copying his old tracks but producing some truly brilliant trance tunes and pleasant chilled songs (this more appealing style can be found on the 2nd album 'Two Worlds').

The first and last tracks save this album from receiving a very poor 1 star rating. 'Marrakech' is a surprisingly decent trance track, which I have managed to enjoy. It's powerful, catchy and makes for a very nice listen overall. It reminds me of how ATB used to produce his music, and not the inconsisent rubbish he has made since 'Two Worlds'. But why do they keep ripping us off with the editted versions on the albums? I'd much prefer to listen to the original mix, but I suppose we're meant to be forced to buy the single in order to hear it, which I'm not willing to waste my money on. But still, it's a decent track all the same.

Also the last track managed to catch my attention for the right reasons! 'Circular Symmetery' then, is what ATB is REALLY about. The pads and beat to this tune are almost breathtaking! It reminds me that ATB actually DOES possess the talent to create brilliant chillout music, but it seems Andre is too worried about not making a shed-load of money so he makes pop instead. It's a "summery" track, the one that will bring memories flooding back when winter sets in and gets depressing. It has a solid beat, accompanied by well timed percussion and the most excellent pads to go on top of it. It gives a warm feeling inside, and tells me I didn't completely waste my money afterall. Also 'IntenCity' is ok, but is highly unimaginative and 'Ecstacy' is annoyingly catchy. Hmmm...

If you're not a fan of pop, but thought you were a fan of ATB and will definately buy this despite my negative views then just try listening to 'Black Nights', 'Sun Goes Down' and 'The Autumn Leaves' without cringing! I bet you can't! And I was hoping that those tracks were going to be beautiful pieces of trance or chillout music. But no. How disappointing.

Overall, ATB should really slow down on album-producing, and try to concentrate on creating something mind-blowing. I know Mr.Tanneberger can, but won't.


atb* back with something a little different!   June 12, 2004
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I got the original Kontor Records German import from Amazon.de a few days ago, and I must say I was both excited and impressed with something new from atb. In the opening of the DVD that came exclusive to this 2 CD set (don't know if the one Amazon.co.uk is selling here has the bonus DVD or not, but it doesn't look like it) Andre says how he is looking to change his sound each time and reinvent himself. He certainly has changed it up a bit with this new album, but I am still impressed and will be pumping his new sound for a long time to come.

First, he has a new vocal presence with Tiff Lacey who sings on 3 of the tracks, and possibly the 3 best tracks on here: Marrakech, Here With Me, and Ecstasy. Roberta Carter Harrison, the siren from the Wild Strawberries and atb's previous hits You're not Alone, Let U Go, Long Way Home, and Hold You is back for two more tracks. One of them is a slower melody, the other is a bit faster. Her husband Ken Harrison actually does the vocals for one song. Someone named Michal the Girl also sings on one track. Radikal Records' Madelin Zero sings on 2 other tracks.

Overall, one departure from atb's normal albums was that he use to feature nearly half or more of an album with either full out instrumentals, or tracks with small vocal phrases thrown in (a la 9PM). Well, on No Silence, only 4 of the 13 tracks are instrumental. The other 9 have full out lyrics! The shortest lyrics of the 9 is Marrakech.

Tiff Lacey's exotic sounding voice is perfect for Marrakech. I am not sure if her mispronunciation of the words "ritual" and "adventure" is deliberate of not, but it doesn't distract from this exotic, flavorful song anyway. Ecstasy is the 2nd release off the album and it's a great slower groove dance song. I can't wait to get a CD single with some remixes.

What is very different about this album are the amount of slower, pop-like tunes that are included, which atb touched on briefly on the unofficially titled hidden track "Ruby" on his Addicted to Music album. On one track, atb actually plays the piano! They are a much different departure from the rest of his music history.

If you are lucky to get the German CD with the bonus DVD, you will get the Marrakech video, the making of the video and atb interview (in German language only), exclusive photos, the trailer to the movie Mindhunters (which Marrakech is featured in), again in German, and 3 remixes of Marrakech. Last but not least, you get an exclusive access code to the atb website where you can download a new atb exclusive track called "Farrago - Union". Let me tell you now, this instrumental trance track is unbelievable!!! You have to hear it!!! Let's hope the UK and US releases give out this access code too, so fans can get this awesome track. The UK version was just relased, but it seems to list only 1 CD, so it may not have the DVD. No sign of any release date in the US or what it will feature.

I highly recommend all old and new atb fans to pick up this brilliant new album by one of the best DJ/writer/producer's on the planet.