False Idols confidently returns to a simpler, yet contemporary version of Tricky’s working formula.
False Idols is a massive triumph musically. There is no filler, in many places it sounds timeless, and by that I mean it would fit just as well in the “trip-hop glory years” (if there ever was such a thing) as it does in today’s glitched out, warped excuse for an industry collective.
In that sense, False Idols has the potential to be a more accessible and instantly enjoyable album than say, Maxinquaye, but because it's not as challenging to the experienced trip-hop fan, False Idols is also vulnerable of losing some its captivating allure.
These tension-filled songs are all artfully restrained, while also being vibrantly expressive, crafted to be played in clubs that didn’t exist when Nearly God dropped, while also reminding these insular modern club kids where some of their current hit-makers got their sound from.
Conceptually, Tricky seems to be doing some soul-searching -- but the running time is long, and at least three quarters of the album is top-shelf.
Tricky might not have succeeded in bringing his old sound 100% back to life, but as an effort to hit the reset button and rediscover himself, this record's a better-than-expected surprise.
Credit goes to Tricky for variety, but it would be a more rewarding experience if we were able to listen to the songs evolve and develop. Great that the ideas exist, but they clearly haven't inspired.
The atmosphere is bleak, tainted with tales of drugs, failed relationships, and other themes that don’t immediately avail themselves on a quick listen, but False Idols settles in infectiously to its creator’s murky headspace.
Tricky of old resigning himself to revisiting his most celebrated manoeuvres in this way, but 'False Idols' is at least partly successful.
Album a day 2023 #109
Trip hop album tricky is an interesting album with some very heavy themes scattered throughout the 17 tracks including drugs and relationships. I had a great time going through the tracks and definitely need further listens to appreciate it more but it's a great album nonetheless
身為吹哈(Trip hop)三本柱之一,明顯永遠嗑過頭的喙齒tshuì-khí不知有何魔力,永遠有辦法找到願意一起創作合唱的女聲歌手。脫離Domino加盟!K7的首張專輯,自然要給個柔美平順的起頭。腦袋永遠顯得不太清楚但其實聰明到靠腰的他,翻玩Van Morrison、惡搞Chet Baker、與The Antlers合作、與David ... read more
He's heading for the Maxinquaye of this decade...
Everybody sesnses the vanity but undoubtely this is his best work in years.
#5 | / | CraveOnline |