Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Entering “System 2,” track one “In Two,” is like entering a futuristic factory as presented in the 1920’s movie “Metropolis” only musically. Very anthemic and precise, with sounds you would associate with computers and voice recognition patterns to gain entry to, well, wherever you need to do that, it kicks off a much more unusual album. Although this CD can stand on its own, it’s very obvious as it progresses that it’s the backdrop for a performance of the Art of Illusion. There’s a lot of outstanding work presented on this second album to make it sound like total electronica without using sampling or other techno means to get there. There are also a lot of sections where it sounds like a full orchestra is part of the music.  

At least for myself, I could totally tell this was a “soundtrack” for a magic show, but it’s really very well done. I felt like I could follow the story unfolding even though I’ve never heard the album before and don’t have a clue what the visuals that go with the music are. Part way through the album, the spirit of Houdini is summoned and there are a few songs that are very eerie and almost scary sounding. Since all things horror and supernatural are  my kind of genre, I’d really love to see what’s going on – especially with the blood-curdling screams and monster sounds! 

There’s one bonus track in particular that stands out on “System 2” called “D.A.M.” There are references to illusions and harassment and Criss Angel practically spits out a very fast, angry rap. I asked him about this song and he told me it was done VERY tongue in cheek as an answer to the CONSTANT question of “How did you do that?” NOTE:  D.A.M. spells Don’t Ask Me! I figured that out about five minutes ago. . .