Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Mirror is a marvelous album, an enthralling odyssey that takes you into a haunting world of inner emotions and leaves you spellbound. Written by Tom Anselmi (formerly of Canadian punk rock band, Slow) and produced, recorded, and mixed by keyboardist Vincent Jones (from Canadian groups The Grapes Of Wrath and Ginger), Mirror features an abundance of thriving orchestrations fused with electronica-style music.
“Nostalgia,” the first of nine tracks housed on the CD, is an evocative lyrical poem performed by Depeche Mode front man, Dave Gahan. This will come as news to both DM fans and haters alike: time has done nothing to diminish Dave’s voice. Anyone desiring proof that Gahan is incapable of singing more than two notes need only look here for that evidence.
“Nostalgia” is a truly beautiful piece that would make an ideal song for either a strained couple trying to rekindle a troubled romance, or as the perfect send-off track at the funeral of a loved one. You can check out the video for "Nostalgia" at YouTube.
Many of the sounds in “Nostalgia” linger on into the remaining eight tracks, almost creating a circle in the process. A majority of the tracks also include a lot of notable guest artists, including frequent David Bowie collaborator, Mike Garson.
“Nowhere” (the story of my career, ladies and gentlemen, thank you!) is performed by guest artist (and teen actress) Frances Lawson. “City Lights” is like a tear-ridden letter to a lost love, and features Anselmi, guests Laure-Elaine and ex-Warhol Factory regular, Joe Dallesandro (who performs a monologue in the last half of the tune).
Indie artist Ronan Boyle teams up with Lawson for a very trance-like “World Of Darkness.” Housed directly in-between the CD’s nine tracks is a captivating instrumental piece aptly titled “Twentieth Century,” taking the sounds of traditional instruments and combing them with the modern electronic era.
Laure-Elaine returns for track #6, a decidedly mellow (even for this album) “From No One With Love,” clearing the way for a more livelier “Fat Girl” performed by Anselmi. The album concludes with a short, but sweet (and slightly simplistic) “Mirror Song” (with Frances Lawson again); and the Anselmi finale, “The Cold Is On The Way.”
While it may be a bit unlikely to get a lot of people out on a dance floor (unless the crowd is clamoring for a slow song, that is), Mirror nevertheless remains worth a listen, as this is an album with a lot of heart and, above all, emotion. Recommended.
