answered - seasons

Answered 

Seasons
self-released; 2013

3.9 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Answered aka Cody Ellis is an artist who produces, records, mixes and masters his own music. He does everything from top to bottom. While this isn't something I would recommend for everyone it seems to be working just fine for him. He has released three albums, his latest being Seasons, which is instrumental dance music that relies on a steady 4/4 kick, bright lead synths and brings together a sense of nostalgia as well as fun on a single track.  These songs are laced with an MDMA feel that can bring down the house. Songs such as “Distance & Desire” are high- octane energy that can bring back a party just when you might feel a dip. Waves of positive energy bounce from the speakers creating good times for all.

The opener “Summer” begins with the sound of school children that are quickly replaced by laser-like synths. The song actually has one of the slower BPM’s but the arpeggiated synth creates the fast-moving vibe. It zigzags back and forth with precision and perfection as it lacks any human error. The song ends with some warm strings that I thought ended too soon. “Euphoria” is a straight-up dance number that should be turned up. Despite having a thick sounding kick drum and progressive feel the song glides along a crystalline atmosphere that glistens with joy. It bursts with optimism and is recommended for increasing the serotonin levels in your brain. “Winter,” featuring Knight Lautrec, excels at creating a temporary enlightening landscape that can make you feel as if you are taking a train to cloud nine rather then stuck in a world with an exponential amount of problems. “Spring” is unlike anything else on the album in that it seeps with strings, piano and no percussion. Sounding a bit like Sigur Rós this is a short number but is the most nostalgic and creates the biggest emotional impact.

Answered is an interesting if not captivating work. I thought I had Ellis figured out upon hearing his first song but there's more here than what meets the ear. The songs have depth and meaning beyond the standard 808 kick. Take a listen, then listen again.

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