For a long time now, rumors have been circulating that "The Park" would reopen. Well, finally, after much patience and waiting, the Park has reopened, but with a new direction and edge that is both fresh and exciting. Argyle Park has transformed into AP2, and an exciting transformation it is.
The first Argyle Park release drew many comparisons to Circle of Dust, primarily because of Klay Scott's involvement. In fact, I always thought of it as a trancier Circle of Dust album. Suspension... does have that feel at times, but, more often than not, it transcends any and all Circle of Dust comparisons. Imagine the following if you will. You are sitting in a huge, empty room. A series of single piano notes is heard, ringing off the walls, only to be followed by a haunting series of harsh spoken words. As you are letting this sink in, a haunting ambience fills your ears, crescendoing into acid trance with killer synths and metal-esque guitars. The CD just continues to get better, as your ears are treated to a potpourri of sonics. Many of the songs are all out metal-industrial, adding in killer synths and digital effects. Others have a more trance / industrial feel a la old Argyle Park. Yet others I have trouble describing, as they explore territory that I am unaccustomed to hearing in this genre. I just love the synths used on the vocals in many of the songs -- some could almost be described as digital black metal vocals, as they add a unique brutality and harshness that I have never experienced in this type of music before. Lots of samples are used throughout, and what truly makes the disc interesting are the variety of instruments, effects and sounds that are incorporated. I found that, as the listener, I never knew for sure where the song would go next. I actually would love to hear this CD in a full-blown, surround-sound DVD format. Now that would be a true listening experience.
I can't say enough good things about this disc. It is very eclectic indeed, but, in this reviewer's opinion, this makes the CD that much more of an enjoyable listening experience. The Park has been reopened and transformed, and you owe it to yourself to pay it a visit.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestAP2, formerly known as Argyle Park, is here with a new album. Suspension Of Disbelief is mainly a Level and Buka CD with two songs written by Klayton (My Sympathies and Resurrection Of The Ravens). On this CD you can hear metal, hardcore, punkrock and dance, poured over with an industrial sauce. The first track seems to start off rather mellow, though dark at the same time. But then, after more…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerA few years ago, there was a Christian industrial band named Argyle Park. They sold a modest number of CDs on the now-infamous R.E.X Music, then, after being let down by the label, disbanded. There weren't many people who ever expected them to release another album, but they have, with a new name, AP2, and a new label, Tooth & Nail Records. Suspension of Disbelief begins quietly, with a single…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by GrindboySorry guys, not even close. This is a noble effort and all, but contrary to the propaganda on their website, this sequel is but a shadow of the original Argyle Park. Not bad at all, but so. . . unremarkable. I've got a whole stash of cd's in my collection that are more or less this exact same sound, and there's nothing here to really make it stand out. It's like they tried to take everything that…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by D_ListerWhat is it about this CD that doesn't click with me? I don't know it's hard to exactly put my finger on. Is it the lack of heart? The lack of excitement? The lack of desire? Well maybe it's parts of all that. Just seems to me like this was a half-hearted attempt to create something out of the ashes of a previous success. "Igor turn the machine on, it's time to make another typical album." hmmm…Similar sounding releases
1998Gathering of SoulsNeither Moth Nor Rust Corrupts
1995Nine Inch NailsFurther Down the Spiral
1999WyrickAggressive State
1999LevelDevil's Advocate
2005YogiHalf-Pint Demigod
2002MortalNu-En-Jin
