Strange Lives
is the first album by the
electronica
outfit
Metaphor
(not to be confused with a
progressive rock
group by the same name). At its basis is a live recording from October 1999, but many overdubs and extra tracks have been added to form a free-flowing DJ set of
ambient
. And yet, the group doesn't stick to pure
electronics
, far from it: Acoustic and electric instruments and even voice are added to the mix -- not sampled, mind you, but performed.
John Mika
's synths and samplers and
Fred Teasley
's spacy electric guitar provide most of the grooves, moods, and textures. The guitar sounds very close to
Robert Fripp
's '90s soundscapes, minus the manic looping. Its airborne qualities lift the music.
Tim Donahue
on bass guitar underpins the riffs, while
Mike Croswell
adds various touches, from harmonica and accordion to theremin and
electronic
PVC pipes that create strange drones. A couple of guests help out -- throat singer
Steve Sklar
is particularly enjoyable.
is chill-out meets
Peter Gabriel
's definition of
worldbeat
meets
Fripp
's
music. And no, it is not that far-fetched a fusion.
integrates all these influences very well, in a way reminiscent of
the Freight Elevator Quartet
(although it doesn't stray as much into
experimental
territory and remains more laid-back). The music wraps you up in a blanket. Too comfortable? Maybe just a bit. That's why, however pleasing it is, the album doesn't leave a lasting impression once it stops spinning. But it's still worthy of your time. ~ Francois Couture