Release : Enigmatic Obsession - Secrets Of Seduction
Artist : Enigmatic Obsession
Album : Secrets Of Seduction
Genre : New Age
Source : CDDA
Label : Globe
URL :
Date : 2005-05-17
Quality : VBRkbps 44100 kHz Joint Stereo
Tracks : 13
Time : 49:29 min
Size : 74 MB
1 Opening My Eyes 1:10
2 In The Recent Past 3:10
3 The Delta Of The Red River 3:51
4 Northern Horizon 4:34
5 The 5th Column 3:35
6 Silent Heroes 2:59
7 Reachers Of Civilization 5:15
8 Punta Del Este 5:43
9 Farewell To The Moon 6:11
10 Slowly Walking In 3:52
11 Polar Lights 3:38
12 Closing My Eyes 0:57
13 Lifesign (Feat Fabrizio Levita) 4:34
Style:
Enigma's early sound revisited, explored and updated. Here are many familiar
themes from MCMXC A.D. and The Cross Of Changes - tracks interfading, monks
chanting, spoken voices philosophising, luxuriant beats, expressive atmospheres,
muted pianos and lush effects. Of course, new aspects abound - fresh melodies,
different instruments such as the Chinese Er-Hu on 'The Delta of the Red River'
and some previously undeveloped classical connections. Notably absent are the
male vocals that seemed to be a point of contention among some Enigma fans. The
banner of allegiance is unfurled from the start with a brief ambient
introduction leading into one of those glorious, distinctive beats - here the
drum tracks seem at the same time both original and recognisable ... new
variants on old structures and new structures with that conspicuous enigmatic
feel. Not surprisingly since Jens gad provided the guitar sound for Enigma, the
guitar is given some extra space here, a few tracks being carried along by
emotive guitar leads drenched in special effects.
Mood:
Gorgeously serene and mystical, full of atmosphere and timeless grace. The
mainly female voices maintain the charm and spell throughout - whispering,
singing, speaking, breathing, with classical elements, soft oohs and aahs -
perfectly attuned to the mood and vision established by the music. Slightly
melancholy in places - wistful and emotional, occasionally powerful, always with
a subtle, richly layered dreaminess
Artwork:
An attractive digipack with a high gloss finish - a classically painted damsel
draped in generous folds of orange and white lounges on the front cover meeting
the viewer's gaze. Rich browns, fawns and ochre tones give the package a mock
antiquity - enhanced by further paintings of cherubs, recumbent ladies and
billowing robes. Trompe l'oeil effects create the illusion of burnt edges, curls
and tears. The tracklisting can be found both on the rear and within, along with
credits and website details.
Overall:
Who better than Jens Gad to create such an album, having been a member of Enigma
from the early days, he not only played on many Enigma albums, but shared
writing, engineering and production duties. Indeed some of the pieces here were
originally written for various Enigma albums and would sound perfectly at home
had they been placed there. Collaborators on Secrets Of Seduction include Luisa
Fernandez and Helene Horlyck on vocal duties and German producer Torsten Stenzel
as writer for two tracks. Today whilst Michael Cretu is somewhat obliged to
forge his project ahead into territories new, Jens is free to wander at will
through the original signature sounds and bring the best of the past into the
immediate present once more. There have been comments to the effect that this
album is more 'enigmatic' than Voyager turned out to be - Michael purposely
applying his techniques to a more 'pop' oriented sound - see for yourself.
Released in the same year as the stunning Achillea - The Nine Worlds, Jens Gad
has been busy - and there's more yet to come ... if he maintains this standard
we've plenty to look forward to.
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