This album could well be subtitled "prelude to a new rock". This album integrates their glitch sound and "IDM" tendencies with a quasi-soft- rock sound rather well. Sometimes this leads TTA into banality, though, as some of the vocal melodies, particularly in the opening few tracks, are not exactly groundbreaking. Nevertheless, this is IMO the place to start for TTA and an enjoyable album, followed closely by "Fahrenheit".
Sad abut Charlie. Live on, friend.
Was happy to have found this on eMusic. First heard "I Lied" on one of the Cox music channels that played ambient and downtempo. Had to have it.
I agree with Marcusgarby. If you're a purist IDM lover this isn't for you, if you like more accessible IDM with a more downtempo feel this is excellent.
I agree most tracks have an over produced sound, at least compared to FFE. What I liked about FFE isn't quite expanded upon in this second effort. That said there are a few jems on this album worth the selective download.
...but still worth a download. The style has shifted to more of a club targeted IDM. The well produced beats may be overshadowed for some by the prominent vocals, which were not present on the previous album. Four stars.
loved the first tta album, but they needed to expand on their sound. i applaud the effort to make such a grand statement and make something different, but this record moved in a direction that i don't like as much. i think the music is great, and the title track (which is instrumental) is my favorite tta track yet, but i really don't care for the vocalists' contributions. for me, they make otherwise relaxing and beautiful songs into over the top if not cheesy melodrama. here's hoping tta goes back to instrumental music.
I want to assure other potential listeners that this is NOT pop as the previously reviewer suggests! It's a well-crafted IDM crossover album which delights and stimulates, and is quite unlike the previous album and thats a good thing. I cannot recommend this album more highly. Tracks 5 and 7 are breathtaking, with original concepts and production, which is difficult to achieve in this genre. If I had to make comparisons I would say Map of What is Effortless's sounds like a combination between BT and Boards of Canada, with a level of accessibility being in-between the two. Lay your head down, open your mind and enjoy, thats my advice.
Their first album is amaizing! I don't really understand how anyone could think this album is better than their first but, If you like pop then this album may be good for you. It seems cheesy and over-produced.
It used to be easier to pretend that an album was its own perfectly self-contained artifact. The great records certainly feel that way. But albums are more permeable than solid, their motivations, executions and inspirations informed by, and often stolen from, their peers and forbearers. It all sounds awfully formal, but it's not. It's the very nature of music — of art, even. The Six Degrees features examine the relationships between classic records and five… more »
