Diorama - A Different Life

The new album of Diorama is a bit like drinking black coffee and red wine:you feel invigoration, nostalgia, affection and also a bitter taste. Cause that's what the album is like: on the one hand melancholic, ironic, thought-provoking and on the other hand energetic, dynamic and electrifying. I don't know if you get involved into discussion on whether “A Different Life” sounds like Diorama or not - at least this time there's a good reason to debate as the album is really good: ambiguous and provoking, tough not necessarily amusement-oriented. One thing is sure – a fair dose of good music is guaranteed.


The album opens in an interesting way - „Screenface” starts with a gentle intro and then a smashing blast of a neurotic vocals and noisy, irregular, a bit industrial sounds. Actually, my associations were with Eddie Vedder's vocal manner and „Do the Revolution”, but I understand grunge trips are not appropriate here. “Definition of Power” is a musical sharp turn: regular passages of rather warm quality. However, when combined with lyrics, they give an image of techno-circus – the world is so great that while rotating on one of its carousels we fail to notice that we start feeling sick. The similar effect is brought about by „Protected World”.

„Why” is my favourite track: it's one of those where cold, clear electronic sounds are blended with warm,velvety vocal and a bit bitter lyrics in a perfect way. It's hard not to mention dancy qualities of the song: there are some more similar in style on the album, though not ostensibly disco-like, e.g. „Sands”, „Exit the Grey” or the title MCD song - „Synthesize Me”.

Still, the album is reflective rather than entertaining: the songs are chosen in such a way to create an intellectually complicated soundscape that reflects various emotional states and attitudes. It pervades deep down into your thoughts and puts into hypnotic trance; even when the music speeds up and passes into electro register the note of sadness or melancholy remains. Perhaps it's connected with the specific vocal quality or the choice of instruments; all in all I wouldn't dare calling the music of Diorama “a mind at rest” one. „Discotheque for intellectuals” would be more suitable here, much as emotional the musical representation is, it's still rich in dynamically hitting beats and rhythmical melodies.

„A Different Life” surely is a treat for those who like the music which appeals to the listener in various ways: to mind, sensitivity and musical taste. As for me, it's a very good material and I strongly recommend it to you.