Unshattered [Import]

I heard a clip of Idleflow on Peter's website and my initial reaction was that of "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" (shakes fist at the gods). I was not pleased with the direction I wrongly assumed he was going in. I was thinking, "He's trying to sell out with a VENGENCE!". Not only was I wrong, thank goodness, but I actually feel kinda guilty for assuming such things. I done disrespected The Murph, I did (hangs head).

I must admit, I was expecting (er, hoping for) a continuation of Dust, only with the Massive Attack-y/low fi industrialness amped up a couple more points. Silly rabbit. The Murph has NEVER in his recording history given listeners what they expect. There's a reason no two Peter Murphy albums sound alike. He likes to mess with your mind, man. He's a mystical dude. The Murph is stagnant for no one.

Right, so, the actual album...I was surprised in the lovliest way. I was expecting a straight pop album and got a "poppy" album that is also a very good album in its own right. "Emergency Unit" and "Blinded Like Saul" are just REALLY freaking good. "Breaking No One's Heaven" is the one that's going to make the most noise, though.

The only problem I have (and I'm still giving the album 5 stars because I think it'll grow on me) are the choruses of some of the songs. I really dug "Face The Moon" and "Idleflow" until the choruses came in. The staggeringly sentimental poppiness just doesn't work with my nervous system, I suppose. I don't know, I mean, I still hate "Hit Song", so maybe I'll never grow accustomed to it, but if you dig that sort if thing, this will remain a fairly perfect album.

This is just a flat out good album. After hearing ONLY the chorus to "Idleflow" at first , I must admit I was apprehensive, but I'm so glad I gave the whole thing a chance and I'm quite humbled. I'm more excited for when I chase Peter's upcoming tour all around the country now. :)

Note: I'll probably edit review later once I get to know the album more...

Update, 11/16/04:
After listening to all of my Peter Murphy albums, I realize that this album isn't any poppier than some stuff on Love Hysteria, Cascade, Should The World or Holy Smoke, and I've grown to love all these albums, so I don't see why this one won't grow on me as well. Yeah, in all honesty, I wish Peter had done something more innovative, as Dust gave me a lot of hope, but this really isn't that hugely different from past offerings. Let's hope the next one is another Dust or Deep, though, I know Peter has it in him. :)

After discovering that the usual sources for carrying works like this (local record stores) were having great trouble stocking this disc, I was reminded of the value of companies like Amazon. Anyway, I got the disc and ignored (wisely) all the negative reviews. I allowed my mind to become immersed in yet another grand and visionary audible voyage by Peter Murphy. Easily, there are at least four or five intensely beautiful and very nicely sung songs on this work, making the unreserved bashings ludicrous. Those listeners who always want rockin' goth from this guy will hopefully realize, over time, that artists evolve - especially seminal artists like Peter Murphy. Artists like this raise the bar each time and do something different (highly unique) each time they're up at bat.

Those who enjoy ballads and gentle, yet powerful, songs will be pleased. His trademark mysterious and thought-provoking lyrics are as intact and improved as his unparalleled baritone (despite the anti-smoking babblings of one of the previous reviewers).

Peter sounds wonderful on this work and ventures into marvelous new space that transcends the vast majority of other music out there. Go tell all your open-minded friends about this one so they show their support and convince the record company that it should be behind this artist 100%. There is nothing on the planet like seeing this majestic performer live.

Peter Murphy always shatters the competition, for he is in a league all his own.

This is probably Peter Murphy's strongest album so far. It is in more of a pop style than the last offering, 'Dust,' but is still good in its own way. The 'single' 'Idle Flow,' is a catchy, radio frindly song, and a great start to the album.

The album seems to have a mystical, dark feel to it. 'Emergency Unit' is musically and vocally the most beautiful song I've ever heard, with the exception of 'Things To Remember' from 'Dust.' It is full of pain, swiriling and beautiful. Not a title track or 'single' but worthy of high praise.

My favourite song of the album though is 'Give What He's Got.' It is one of Peter Murphy's very few lyrically coherent tracks. The lyrics actually make sense, and wow is that meaning potent. It is a song of sympathy for a man's secret mental torture, a man who is hiding his true potential through fear. The song somehow sums up the entire album, the music is lighter and more 'poppy' than usual, like 'Idle Flow,' and the lyrics capture the tortured darker side of the album.

The final track 'Breaking No One's Heaven' is the centerpiece. It is an Opus, a gem in its sheer originality and creativity. 'Breaking No One's Heaven starts with a frightening booming voice that made me jump out of my seat. Then we get a spooky, mystical pop song, with an arabic sounding epilogue. The track satisfied my cravings all in one to hear Peter Murphy go Arabic again, and to find out what he would come out with that could still possibly be original after all this time. Oh he never dissappoints.

I cannot stress more how great this album is. Even if you hate music... buy it.

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