Disco de Orbital: “Snivilisation”

Orbital's 3rd full-length is an interesting affair. While 'the brown album' was a monolithic affair of beats and intricate melodic and harmonic lines, "Snivilization" sees Orbital starting to branch out in new and different directions. For those expecting 'rave music', this was pretty perplexing when it hit. But for those who like their electronics with some challenge to it, this release is a full-on satisfier, especially the full-length version of "Are We Here", as well as the interesting sociopolitical takes one finds popping up here and there in the soundbites, and Orbital's own takes on its music. Bits of commentary on minimal music is in here, as well as a crafty jab at gabber. And the whole thing closes with perhaps one of P+P's finest ambient techno tracks of all time. This, or "Orbital 2", are excellent start-points for those trying Orbital out for the first time. In fact, I'd suggest getting both, and then you're covered for _all_ of the possibilities the Hartnoll Bros. can offer elsewhere.

I bought this album just a few days ago to fill that empty gap I have between "Orbital 2" and "In Sides"... needless to say, it fits very well. I'll admit, when I first heard this, I was a little dissapointed. Then, out of the blue, something amazing happened... I GOT it (If you own this album, then you know what i'm talking about). It hit me About half way through "Forever", and form there, it's been an amazing experience. Once this album opens itself up to you, theres no turning back! This is by far Orbital's most experimental album, with ALOT more voice sampling then "Orbital 2". This album also seems to stray from looping songs (ala "in Sides"). The edge of the songs is harder, and has more of an industrial feel, but still has that moody aura we've come to expect from the Brothers Hartnoll. Amazingly, I don't have a favorite song on this album... every song seems to stick out in a different way which makes it impossible to pick ONE favorite. Right now though, i'd have to say "Forever" is the best tune... the again, that will likely change. This is truly one of the most important techno albums to ever be released... simply because of what it's done to the entire genre. This sole experimental album has produced a completely new sound for techno, and it's amazing to see how it carried over into Orbital's later works. It's easliy Orbital's most important album, but it's not my favorite. "In Sides" remains my undisputed fav, especially since it was the first album to turn me on to them. A defenite recommendation, but I suggest "In Sides" first.

I was first introduced to Orbital back when the Mortal Kombat album hit the street. My friend and I were at a point where we were growing very tired of the normal radio tunes and were looking for something that was fresh and new. Mortal Kombat had the classic Halcyon + On + On (from Orbital 2) and upon hearing this track for the first time we knew we had found something. When I went shopping for Orbital I had a tough time finding anything at all. One day I happened to find Snivilisation at the local record shop. When I first played this disc I was a bit puzzled considering I was expecting more of what I had previously heard. I put the album down for a few months and one rainy after noon decided to try it out again. When I REALLY listened to this album at all of the different sounds I was blown away. A previous reviewer made the statement that "when you get it, you GET it" and boy did I get it! To this day (June 2003 - 8 years later) I believe this is one of the greatest electronic albums ever crafted. Any electronic music fan absolutely must give this album a chance. It is truely a piece of art!

Ahrg. My first review for this album was ONLY 3 STARS!!! boy, I feel stupid now. I recently discovered how genius this album actually is. It all makes sense. Buy this album, but we warned you won't fully appreciate it until about 200 listens later when you smack your forehead and get it. But seriously, it's genius. Everything conveys such a mood! Every song has a purpose! Mainly political statements, but it makes so good points. The sadness of "Forever" slowly into the other-world-ness and bizarre vocal sample whirling round and round in a tunnel of commercialism on "I Wish I Had Duck Feet" to the panic and rage of "Cash And Carry" to the seemingly-but-not-actual security and warmth on "Science Friction" to the eerie advertising of "Philosophy By Numbers" with brilliant vocals ("TECHNOLOGY! TECHNOLOGY! philosophy... philosophy..?") It's genius. "Kein Trink Wasser" moved my soul with it's charming offbeat rhythms and poignant piano. "Quality Seconds" is placed between two emotional epics for a rude disruption that refers to commercialism. "Are We Here?" is 15-minutes of epic song. Ending with the oh-so-beautiful-but-what's-inside feel of "Attached", this album is a museum piece. I am so sorry to anyone who read my blind 3-star review. Buy this and worship it.

What can I say. Although Orbital's music is classified as "techno" there can be no doubt the brothers' skills transcend that poppy genre and this album is their finest work. It is a concept album so you must listen to it from beginning to end and every track (with one exception) is excellent. The album comes to a climax on "Are We Here?".

Perhaps what is most commendable about Orbital is their ability to build a beat in the abscence of a central boom-boom beat that is so common in electronic music. If you listen closely, the beat is actually built by layering the loops carefully so as to build a rhythm that dances around where the beat would be.

This album is one of my three favorites. The other two, incidentally are not "electronica" albums so this says something about the quality here. Every person I've ever played the CD for has agreed that it is incredible. So if you're looking for a CD with some heavy meaning, mean mixing excellent tunes look no further. And you can dance to it too.