Artist: Eat Static Album: Back to Earth

Year: 2008
Duration: 1:17:00

A Critical Review of Back to Earth by Eat Static

Get ready to embark on an otherworldly journey with Eat Static's album, Back to Earth. This British electronic music group, formed back in 1989, have been pioneers of the psychedelic trance genre, and this album showcases their innovative sound. In this blog post, we'll give you a brief overview of the history of the band, and dive into the music genre of the album. We'll also share our favorite songs, highlight the most innovative parts of the album, and offer some constructive criticism.

Eat Static's origins can be traced back to the demise of Ozric Tentacles, a progressive rock band that gained a dedicated following in the UK during the 80s. In 1989, founding member Merv Pepler started Eat Static as an experimental music project, bringing together a wide range of musical influences and elements from world music, electronica, and psychedelia. Over the years, the band has gone through several lineup changes but has always maintained a unique sound that combines complex rhythms, trippy effects, and a sci-fi aesthetic.

Back to Earth is the band's tenth studio album, released in 2016, and it marks a return to their roots as a genre-bending, experimental outfit. The album draws on a range of influences, including dub, techno, and ambient music, but is firmly rooted in the psychedelic trance genre. The album's sound is characterized by swirling synth patterns, driving basslines, and intricate percussion, creating a hypnotic and trippy atmosphere that transports listeners to another dimension.

Now let's dive into our favorite tracks on the album. Firstly, Outer Heaven stands out with its mix of rolling breakbeats, spaced-out synth riffs, and a soaring lead melody that takes us on a journey through the cosmos. Another standout track is The Swamp which has a bouncy bassline, glitchy effects, and a playful melody that evokes a sense of wonder and exploration. Finally, we can't overlook Satisfaction Gap which features a driving techno beat, distorted vocal samples, and a sweltering synth riff that builds to a frenzied climax.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of field recordings and found sounds, which pepper many of the tracks and add an extra layer of texture and ambiance. In Back to Earth, you can hear wind chimes, bird calls, and other natural noises that blend seamlessly with the electronic soundscape. This technique creates a sense of immersion and helps to cement the album's sci-fi themes.

While Back to Earth is undeniably a strong addition to Eat Static's discography, there are a few criticisms we have. Some of the tracks feel a bit too similar, and there could have been more variation in pace and mood throughout the album. Additionally, some of the tracks feel more like sketches or experiments rather than fully-fleshed-out songs. Still, these issues do not detract too much from the overall quality of the album.

Overall, Back to Earth by Eat Static is a wild and inventive ride that showcases the band's breadth of talent and sonic experimentation. From its warped beats to its genre-defying soundscapes, there's a lot to love about this album for fans of electronic music and psychedelic trance. While it's not perfect, it's definitely worth checking out for those looking for a fresh and mind-bending sonic experience.