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Ardor
Rating: 4.0 | 0 User Reviews | Send to Friend
Along with the digital re-mastering of the ethereally darkwave band, Love Spirals Downwards' first album Idylls, Ryan Lum surfaces with Ardor, originally released in 1994 from the Sam Rosenthal-owned Projekt Records. As far as the recording goes, it's a better attempt in finding that celestial acoustic/electronic sound that LSD were seeking in the first album -- without a doubt, it's superior to the inceptive 1992 recording. Though, the songs are of similar quality, they have more of that cerebral, atmospheric stir. The appropriate serving of Suzanne Perry's haunting vocals doesn't hurt either. The re-issued version offers three bonus tracks not on the 1992 release. A live version of "Write in Water," an instrumental mix of "I Could Find it By Chance," and "Oisin and Niam" --with the exception of the live piece, these added tracks were mixed and recorded during the original 1992 sessions. The overall charm of the album comes with help of Jennifer Wilde (Liquid State) -- singing on the hilariously titled and so alternative-'90s --"Depression Glass" and "Sunset Bell." While Perry is noticeably absent on these tracks, Wilde exudes a grimier harmony, blending in the much-needed spice of pop. It's possible they didn't mean for that to happen, being that it could've put a stain on their reputation -- the approach was a good decision and fan loyalty didn't hinder. Though LSD deserves some respect for being a pioneering influence on many bands a decade later, Ardor is only worth a one-time listen, unless you're a masochist, in which case, this is exactly the right speed.
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