Artist: Logic & Olivia
Title: Playground of the Past
Genre: Synth-Pop
Label: 9th March 2012
Release Date: Danse Macabre
Album Review
LOGIC & OLIVIA is an electronic act founded in 1999. At that time it was called DARKCORE and under that name the musicians managed to release 6 albums. In 2011 the band changed its name and in 2012 recorded a new creation entitled ‘Playground of the Past’. Listening to the album at first I was surprised with the absence of female vocals, but it turned out that there’s no Olivia in the trio. Then where’s logic? I don’t really focus on band names but this time it was such a strong defeated expectancy. As for the album it produces a mixed impression which remains till the very last sounds of the final track. I can’t say that the songs are striking, complicated or too original but they are surprisingly unobtrusive and light so you start to listen more attentively. The opening piece allows a listener to enjoy its tunefulness and good vocals. But the atmosphere created by this composition is simply ruined by the following song that seems to be monotonous and at the same time too pompous.
Actually this kind of sonic “leapfrog” comes through the whole record so some tracks are just great and some leave much to be desired. So in order not to waste time listing shortcomings of the album which may not be noticed or will turn into advantages by fans of the band, I’d better mark out the songs which are worthy to listen to anyway. First of all it’s the title track- beautiful and heartfelt ‘Playground of the Past’ the lyrics of which also deserves a special attention. Expressive ‘Was It All’ pleases with its sincere melody and the minimum of electronic effects. In addition, ‘Lovetrain’ and the only thing in German ‘Nur ein Wort’ (Just one Word) are quite interesting. But of course it was just my selection of songs. In general the album is hard to estimate unambiguously as I said before so everyone will decide for themselves how good this creation is.
Tracklist
01. Don’t Forget – 4:54
02. July – 5:12
03. Beautiful World – 4:05
04. Playground of the Past – 5:43
05. Lovetrain – 4:25
06. The Darkest Night – 5:49
07. Silvertimes – 4:17
08. Was It All – 5:01
09. Nur ein Wort – 4:37
10. Call My Name – 6:06
Line-up
René Anke – Vocals
Matthias Trompelt – Keyboards
Tino Weigel – Guitar
Website
http://www.logicandolivia.de / http://www.facebook.com/pages/Logic-Olivia-official/189449534417916?sk=info
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Total: 8 / 10
Buy the album here!
