Isolée - "We Are Monster"

- Released: 2005
- Format: standard album (CD or download)

- Songwriting: 7
- Performance: 7
- Recording: 7
- First Impression: 5
- Staying Power: 7

By the end of the 1990's I had all but lost interest in electronic music.  It seemed that everything that could possibly be synthesized, sampled, filtered and sequenced was already recorded.  Then along came this album.  Some would try to pigeonhole it into the sub-sub-genre known as "Microhouse", as the tempo is always moderate, and the building blocks are mostly fundamental tones, beeps and clicks.  On top of that, however, is a variety of sampled vocals and real instruments.  This unlikely combination makes it original and fascinating.

Suggested sample track: "Schrapnell"

Recommendation: download a few tracks, then listen to them in a variety of settings.  Resist the urge to dismiss it early, as repeated listening sessions may be needed before it all makes sense.