Subject To Change

Vanessa Mae has always described her music as techno-acoustic fusion but Subject to Change explores further than ever before into the techno (or rather not acoustic) aspects of her work. The album finds her teaming up with Killing Joke bass player turned prolific dance producer Youth, her virtuoso playing takes very much a back seat to his sweeping synthesisers and imposing drum machines. Having said that, there are plenty of tracks which highlight her skill and the violin-led melodies are as beautiful as they are intricate as on the flamenco tune, "Laughing Buddha". The opening piece "Yantra" is not indicative of the rest of the album. It has a poppy-trance intro which could be mistaken for ATB that would have been quite exciting once upon a time but now sounds a little dated. The production is very slick and has a feel that Mae is getting closer to the sound she is looking for but with patches of tired ideas subduing the innovative moments, Subject to Change has a way to go yet. --Georgina Collins

2001 album for the international artist who's conquered the classical music world as well as pop. Teaming with producer Youth (Fine Young Cannibals, Bananarama, James, Crowded House, the Orb) to create this trance/dance infused album. Highlights include the first two singles, 'Destiny' & 'White Bird'.

The Violin Player Returns with More Hybrid Classical Music to Cross Over to the Masses, Including a Spirited Version of It's a Beautiful Day's 'white Bird'.