Artist: Cire Album: Adrenological

Year: 2003
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Look at Cire's Album Adrenological

If you're a fan of experimental electronic music, chances are you may have come across the enigmatic artist known as Cire. Known for his unique approach to music that incorporates both traditional instrumentation and electronic soundscapes, Cire's work has been praised by critics and fans alike. One album that stands out in his discography is Adrenological. Released in 2014, the album marked a departure from some of his earlier work and showcased a new side of his creative process. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Adrenological and break down what makes it such an interesting and innovative piece of music.

Born in the UK, Cire (whose real name is Colin Larkin) has been making music since the early 2000s. His style is particularly hard to pin down, blending elements of electronica, house, and ambient music with more traditional instruments such as the guitar, piano, and bass. Adrenological is a significant departure from some of Cire's earlier work since it features more prominent vocals and a heavier emphasis on electronic beats and basslines. The album has been described as being more pop oriented compared to his other releases, but that doesn't mean it's any less experimental.

The album opens with My Love Deficit, a track that sets the tone for what's to come. With moody, atmospheric synths and glitchy beats, it's a haunting track that showcases Cire's use of sampling and layering. While there are a few tracks on the album that fall under the pop label, such as Monster and Take Me Home, the real highlights come in the form of more experimental tracks such as Fragments of a Dream and Blue Eyes. These tracks are less linear and more exploratory in nature, with intricate soundscapes and a more abstract approach to composition.

What sets Adrenological apart from other electronic albums is Cire's use of live instrumentation. While some electronic artists rely exclusively on synths, drum machines, and other digital tools, Cire incorporates guitars and other instruments to give the tracks more depth and texture. This is particularly evident on the track The Low Road which features twangy, surf-rock inspired guitar riffs over a driving electronic beat. The result is a track that's both danceable and introspective.

Of course, no album is without its flaws, and Adrenological is no exception. While some of the more pop-oriented tracks are certainly catchy, they can sometimes feel a little formulaic and predictable compared to some of the more experimental tracks on the album. Additionally, the album's sequencing could have been more carefully considered, as some of the tracks feel a little disjointed when played back-to-back.

At the end of the day, Adrenological is a great example of Cire's unique approach to music. It's an album that's both catchy and experimental, a true testament to the artist's versatility and ability to push boundaries. While not without its flaws, the album is a must-listen for anyone interested in electronic music and its intersection with more traditional instrumentation. If you're a fan of artists like Aphex Twin or Four Tet, you'll definitely want to give Adrenological a listen.