Alien Skin – Don’t Open Till Doomsday CD Review

Alien Skin – Don’t Open Till Doomsday

If you have come home from a hard day at the office and you want something classy and highly polished yet also relaxing to listen to then you need go no further than the debut album by Alien Skin also known as George Pappas. George, once the keyboardist with Australian band Real Life, has gone solo and released an amazing album full of ambient songs entitled Don’t Open Till Doomsday. The album offers listeners a fusion of electronic chill out music blended with a dash of pop and a sprinkling of experimental music along with some echoes of the eighties. The songs on this magical album are all a pleasure to listen to. They create a world far away, a world of peace and tranquillity but also a world of mystery and haunting atmospheres. There is a gothic influence hanging over the whole album and this oozes out through the beautiful music. The album gives off a very dark feel but listen to the songs and the light will soon start to shine through. This is an album of pure indulgence. Listening to this album is like wrapping yourself in pure silk or crushed velvet. The songs take the listener on a vivid musical journey, awakening every sense in the body as well as the listener’s imagination. There are touches of Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Human League, David Bowie and Jean Michel Jarre sprinkled throughout the album.

The album starts off with a song called The Outer Limits. The music is eerie and outer worldly throughout. The vocals are haunting and gentle instantly allowing the listener to feel completely relaxed.

Razor Arms is another delicate enchanting number. The music overshadows the vocals but never in a bad way. Listening to this song I am reminded of a summer’s day on the beach with the sun beating down. The music gives off a Japanese feel adding to the ambience of the song.

Saviour is a lyrically driven song with the music taking second place, that said the combination of vocals and music does create something quite beautiful. The song gives off a relaxing and tranquil vibe. As the enigmatic vocals progress through the song it builds into something more dramatic yet it still retains its magical qualities.

The Spirit Is Willing instantly brings to mind Depeche Mode and Dave Gahans distinct vocals. This song comes with a definite eighties sound and style. The lyrics are catchy and the music is upbeat.

It Doesn’t Matter (I Want You) sees a return to the outer space electronic sounding music. Vocals take centre stage here and are strong, again reminiscent in style of Depeche Mode.

Gloomy Sunday has an experimental feel about it. The music has a definite chill out/dance vibe and is faster than on many of the other songs on the album.

For Always is gentle in style and has a delicate feel. Although the song sounds thoroughly modern there is a touch of something old fashioned hidden within the music. This is quite a sad song and starts off with the line ‘ashes to ashes’. This is a song about remembering someone even though they are no longer here. Listeners need to take the time to listen to the lyrics of this song to really appreciate it. There are echoes of the Pet Shops Boys in this beautiful and somewhat haunting song. A real musical treat for listeners and one of the highlights of the album.

Burning In My Hands is a slightly louder song again with a strong eighties feel. The vocals and music blend perfectly together in this very experimental sounding song.

Dust To Ashes 1945 is another song with a strong experimental feel. Again here the lyrics and music blend perfectly together to create something strong and bold. The song almost bursts forth and becomes more like a work of art than a piece of music.

The final song is aptly named Alien Skin and has a strong Pet Shop Boys vibe going on. There are also hints of David Bowie here. The music has a definite space like feel. Listening to this song it is like the music jumps out and encapsulates you, surrounding you in a magical bubble. The vocals are limited with the same line repeated over and over again. Don’t be mistaken though this is a fine song with a dark edge.

This is one of those albums you will never want to stop listening to. It gets better and better with every listen. There are many delights on this album and it will take more than one listen to find them all.