Above and Beyond Group Therapy review

June 18, 2011 Posted by VeraNationGirl in Albums

Above and Beyond Group Therapy review

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Above and Beyond debuts second artist album Group Therapy A critic once stated that “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay would change the world. I have the same strong intent when it comes to Above & Beyond’s second artist album, “Group Therapy”.

Intended to touch the core of human emotions on the most basic but essential issues: love, life, and death.

We begin our journey into “Group Therapy” with “Filmic”, a soothing string of piano chords accompanied by the melodic tones of bells. Much like the beginning of a new life, “Filmic” is a soft, yet mysterious, transition into the rest of the album’s story.

Zoe Johnson, a classic vocal favorite, uses her voice to put into words what we sometimes have trouble saying ourselves. “Alchemy” is a love story gone short which each one of us can relate too. Having to leave the chemistry that was once there and trying to cope with the reality, Zoe’s words put it all in perspective.

One of the album’s popular tunes this summer is “Sun & Moon”. We all know the words and can’t help but stop and sing along. Richard Bedford, yet another vocal favorite in the trance community, brings “Sun & Moon” to life. After being left behind by a former lover, Bedford reminisces of what was and what could have been. He reminds us that falling in love is a chance that each one of us takes and despite the negative outcome, we still hold them close to our hearts.

Whether it is the birth of a newborn, a student graduating, or even a promotion, “You Got To Go” and seize the day. Johnson reminds us that everyday is an opportunity and, most importantly, believe in ourselves.

As previously stated in their preview podcast to the album’s release, Above & Beyond had a bit of trouble choosing a vocalist for our next track, “Black Room Boy”. Luckily for us, one of members decided to give it go. Tony McGuinness vocal abilities suited the musical backdrop of somewhat progressive house quite well. Accompanied by Bedford, the two sing about a boy who is dealing with the angst of rejection among his parents, including the world he invented online.

“Giving It Out” is a rare tune in its right. One of the few tracks that can just as equally produce positive vibes with or without vocals. Upbeat bass rhythms along with a catchy melody add to a massive boost of energy. The lyrics are just as equally uplifting; overcoming a relationship and coming out stronger.

Bedford comes back with a powerful lyric piece titled “On My Way To Heaven”. Yet again on the subject of a relationship torn apart, “Heaven” expresses the frustration of a person not being recognized by their partner for who they truly are. Although a danceable theme, it is the piano and violin that give the song it’s true sound.

Most Preludes are intended to be a temporary transition between one track and the other. However, the trio of trance has out done themselves again with their interpretation of “Prelude”. A combination of melodic energy, electronic drums, keyboard chorus and vocal harmony will transport you into a world where music becomes visual.

Imagine being taken into a world of pure electronic bliss amongst an array of exotic sound effects. That’s just what Pavvo Siljamaki intended for “Sun In Your Eyes”, who also decided to test his vocal skills.

Above and Beyond debuts second artist album Group Therapy

Sometimes “Love Is Not Enough” and it turns life into a beautiful sadness, which Johnson captures well in her vocal range. The transition from bass to string melody is exceptional and is the essence of a true emotion.

“Every Little Beat” is just as important as the next. Bedford’s voice was the perfect choice for this mellow tune with a deep meaning.

“Sweetest Heart” is full of imaginative rhythms that capture the line “you have the sweetest heart”. Sometimes that’s the only need thing you need to say to brighten someone’s day.

Beautiful transitions from the previous track into yet again another crowd favorite. You may know the words by heart and can’t stop yourself from shutting the world out when you hear the beginning piano chords. However, “A Thing Called Love” is a significant reminder about loves once lost and loves to hold onto. Above & Beyond and Bedford have created a masterpiece that has surely deepened the world’s hearts. There is certainly no explanation to why this was an instant classic.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where the thought of an afterlife enter our minds. What are the moments that best reflect one’s life here on Earth? For some of us, it’s “Only A Few Things” and it’s those little things that most people enjoy. The echoing sounds of keyboard help us to elaborate on such memories.

After a long journey of life, love, and music, finally comes death. As for the boys, death is not an end but just a new beginning and their impressions have given the world an “eternal” love. An excellent choice for the all-instrumental ending track, which has brought some of us to tears.

“Group Therapy” not only captures the essences of human emotion but the musical emotion that we live and breathe off of. Their choice of vocal harmonies, lyrics, usage of piano and strings, have brought a new style of Electronic music to life and will continue to do so as the group reach way above the standards and beyond the skies.

Written by Abigail Duran aka VeraNationGirl (TranceSound.net Head of PR)