Reviewed by Mitch Andrews and posted on November 30, -0001

OSCILLATOR X’s second album release, the oddly titled “Silicon Samurai” is an exciting and varied release that incorporates many different styles.  Two years after their last album release, fans are excited to hear what new sounds the techno gurus Kyle Ward and John Mendenhall have contrived.  Highlight tracks include “Together With You, “Just Don’t Stop,” “Robot World,” and a cover of the popular QT/Ni-Ni song “The Message.”

The first track on the album, “Robot World” sums up the popular electro style of today.  The grunting beats in combination with a catchy melody have guaranteed this song a favourite among dance fans and DJs.  “Robot World” was one of the final tracks written by Oscillator X, and coincidently turned out to be one of the best songs on the album.  The unique vocals in this song were creating using a technique known as “talkboxing,” which involves sticking a pipe deep into your mouth and singing through it.  “Robot World” is a fresh hit that has been received very well by fans.

“Have A Good Time” is the first pop/dance song on the album and is riddled with catchy hooks and a chorus that will be stuck in your head for a long time.  Inspired by Mendenhall and Ward’s desire to party, “Have a Good Time” is an uplifting dance tune, and the first of Oscillator X’s music to incorporate guitar in the production.  “Never Been In Love” was one of the first singles before the release of “Silicon Samurai” and has a very unique style.  Oscillator X describes the song as very 90s, with an almost break-like beat.  While the message itself is somewhat grave – you’ll notice this anti-love message throughout the album – the practically flawless production and great vocals by John make this an unforgettable track.

Oscillator X’s love for bubblegum dance music inspires the next track in the album, “The Message,” a cover of the popular traditional bubblegum song by QT and Ni-Ni (1997/2001).  Oscillator X’s take on this song is very enjoyable; they stick to the bubblegum style with soft male vocals, and make it their own with heavy production that is pulsing with electrical vibes.  “Japanese Girlfriend” is an interesting concept in which Oscillator X sings about the Japanese Girlfriend they wish they had.  The beats are great and sure to get your groove on.  However, the vocals sound a bit strained in this song and there’s something about the tone that makes this song uncomfortable to listen to.  The next song, “Together With You,” is my absolute favourite track on the album and a perfect comeback from “Japanese Girlfriend.”  In this song, Oscillator X uses traditional bubblegum dance production that is similar to Ni-Ni.  With cheesy lyrics sung by Ward and Mendenhall in the same auto-tuned voice as their old music, this is “Bubblegum Macho” at its best!  For fans of bubblegum dance music, this will be an instant favourite.

“Oasis” is a cover of an old KaW song that has been remade for Oscillator X.  While I am not very familiar with KaW’s music, “Oasis” is a great instrumental track that acts as a nice breather in the album, and the perfect interlude track for concerts.  The next song, “Just Don’t Stop,” was the first Oscillator X song I completely fell in love with.  Riddled with great sound effects, the vibrant bouncing beats are sure to lure even the biggest couch potato onto the dance floor.  You won’t want to stop either when you hear this song!  Next, Oscillator X follows the formula of a traditional eurodance album by including a ballad.  “Without U” is a beautiful song written by John Mendenhall about a lost love and the struggles of living without her.  Most people will be able to relate to the meaning of this song, as who hasn’t lost a love one.  Mendenhall’s vocals really shine in this song, and I can’t help but compare them to Boyzvoice.  With beautiful production and great song writing, “Without U” is a relaxing ballad that should not be missed.

“I Cant Be The One” is another somber anti-love song with a hands-up style.  While the song writing is very good, I feel that the style does not fit the topic. The song starts off with a passionate piano instrumental – perfect for a topic that is about unintentionally breaking someone’s heart. I can hear the passion in Kyle Ward’s vocals, however the fast-paced chorus smothers any emotion that is in the opening verse.  In all, I was surprised Oscillator X chose to make such a fast-paced dance song from a concept that in my opinion screamed ‘ballad.’ “Do It My Way” returns to Oscillator X’s “Techno Techyes” style and was one of the first songs produced for the new album.  The song has a simple structure and buildup, and a similar catchy chorus with meaningless lyrics – “oh-oh-a-oh” – that made early songs such as “Dynamo” so popular.  When I think of Oscillator X, this is the style that comes to mind, and I think it’s excellent that they returned to their roots with such a great song.

The remixes included on “Silicon Samurai” add new flavour to past hits.  My favourite mix, “Dynamo (Aqua Star Mix)” adds vibrance to an already pumping song.  The slow build up and thumping beats reminds me of Guru Josh Project’s number one hit “Infinity 2008.”  This is a great song to end the album, and leaves me with a positive and uplifting taste in my mouth.  Overall, for fans of Oscillator X’s previous album “Techno Techyes,” I highly recommend “Silicon Samurai.”  Oscillator X has matured as a group and are experimenting with different styles – this album is that experiment.  I’m very interested to hear which style they choose to develop further, whether it be the modern club-like style of “Robot World,” the uplifting feel-good sound of “Have A Good Time,” the bubblegum dance style of “Together With You,” or the 90s break-dance style of “Never Been In Love.”  Whatever they choose, I hope that Oscillator X continues to do what they do best – producing high quality dance music that puts a smile on the faces of fans all over the Robot World.