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Chriss, Anders: Volatility
Anders Chriss Volatility new music review

Chriss, Anders: Volatility

Alternative Rock
Rating: 2.5/5.0

A Tale Untold Records
www.myspace.com/anderschriss
www.anderschriss.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  05.02.2010

Having spent seven years in China, Swedish musician, producer, and record label owner Ander Chriss has returned to his native country to record and release his first album Volatility. This work is a fine example of the false axiom of art for art's sake as it shows the perils of its logical conclusion. Some art, in this case music, does not have to be written or expressed. Chriss, obviously influenced by significant and growing Chinese popular music scene, delivers a healthy portion of vague alternative rock on Volatility. But is his creativity really worth it's expression? Art for art's sake? I dissent.

Generally alternative, but most genuinely strange, Volatility is eclectic enough for any scarf-wearing, latte-sniffing hipster who is looking for that oddball discovery. Unfortunately, however, it's weird and musically hostile enough to put off the average listener. Most songs are loaded with strange beats and poly-rhythms, quirky synthesizers, and heavily distorted vocals. Sometimes Anders Chriss veers towards accessibility on Turntables, Good Lies, or Change the Weather, but I'm afraid he's merely teasing his listeners with the grin of Cheshire cat.

Whoever was speaking to Chriss or looking over his shoulder while composing, whether his muse or doting friends, they should have whispered some caution. Or, more boldly, they should have stopped him before going any farther with Volatility.

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In Short

Generally alternative, but most genuinely strange, Volatility is eclectic enough for any scarf-wearing, latte-sniffing hipster who is looking for that oddball discovery. Unfortunately, however, it's weird and musically hostile enough to put off the average listener.

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