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Atlanta/Time Atlanta: This track revolves around the same principals that the first album "BORN" did. By this I mean that it is less ethnically influenced and more dance inspired. The piano is a nice touch that ensures from the first note that the rest of the piece is going to be highly enjoyable. It is also fun the be able to hear the girls more easily. BOND themselves are far more noticeable and despite the fact that it is an extremely dancy kind of a track, the classically conventional elements that are included in the quartet keep it in that classical crossover style. It is perhaps slightly repetitive, in that the piece is basically made up of two sections that are mirror images of each other, but who cares, it is BOND and it sounds great! Time: From the onset of this track we know that it is going to be a slower piece than Atlanta, but there is a semi-techno element added by the synthesised bass sounds that invade the quartet. The melody itself is really beautiful and, once again, quite conventionally classical in its modulations and expressive elements. It is quite an exciting and intense track, especially when towards the middle there is a long run for the violins which returns with the added block chords of the cello and viola. The beat is extremely appropriate to the piece and helps to bring out the mood and beat. Another aspect that I admire about this track is that it is constantly building on itself. Despite the fact that the motive is extremely pronounced and repeated throughout the track it doesn’t get boring as it is always added upon. Again, this track reverts to the ideals of "BORN" in that it is directed more toward music than culture. Fuego (Caliente mix): I really wish that this were the single version. The blurs and other confusing elements on the original version are gone and we are now left with a very crisp recording. The beat is intensified and with the added instruments such as an extremely defined bass-line it has become far more Spanish influenced. As mentioned earlier, the blurry elements of the original track are gone and so we can now appreciate the technical difficulty of the piece as we can hear the fast flowing runs and leaps that each member has to accomplish. The castanets are also quite a novelty, and as for the amazingly cool (for lack of a better word) Spanish guitar solo, one can only express the wish once more that this were the original version. Though, with this one now listenable I really don’t need to lament as I can enjoy it whenever I want. I am just sorry for all those who can’t enjoy it as I can, it is a real shame that they didn’t bring this CD out everywhere! Shine (Indian Summer mix): This mixed version of Shine is the one that can be heard on the video and is, in my opinion, better than the title track of the album. The Indian elements are far more pronounced with the sitar and that weird bongo-like instrument. I also enjoy the accompaniment supplied by Haylie as she plays over the confines of the bridge. I expressed my disappointment that the album version had Haylie’s cadenza accompanied by the drum section, this version does not and I am much thankful for that. Speed (Crash Club mix – Radio edit): Speed really grew on me after the many months that I have listened to it and I was bemused to hear that there was to be a re-mix of it done. I couldn’t figure out how they would be able to re-mix such a complex track. My doubts were set aside upon receipt of this CD. The track is extremely trance-like and contains a very highlighted bass beat. Unfortunately it is a little difficult to make out BOND themselves apart from the main melody but it doesn’t really matter as it is such an easy track to listen to. One thing that I find remarkable about it is that it draws my attention to the melody more than usual. I had never really noticed just how mournful this piece of music really is. After a quiet interlude in the middle section of the piece, the melody returns but the accompaniment is more defined. The background chords are given prominence and the minor key comes out. This really is a sad piece of music and always makes me feel slightly thoughtful. It isn’t a bad thing but just a real thought provoker and in some weird way seems to metaphorically sum up the plight of humanity. In my opinion at least. I like music with pathos in it.
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