Album Review: Andy Moor - Zero Point One

With his prodigious musical talents and output for influential progressive trance label Armada Music, it was only a matter of time before Andy Moor released an artist album. Being a (self-proclaimed) perfectionist has its drawbacks, however. The second-guessing and constant rewrites that perfectionism demands can result in lengthy delays and often tepid fare. The tracklist does not bode well: nearly all 18 tracks feature a female vocalist. Although Moor has proven ability with vocal trance, it's hardly a sound known for evolving, and there's a fine line between spine-tingling euphoria and overripe brie.

Weirdly, the majority of tracks sit in an unremarkable middle ground. Aptly-titled opener Atmospherica sets the tone with its almost filmic ambience, but the album pretty much fails to launch from there with the overall soundscape lacking punch or drama. Take out the kick drums and you'd have a number of halfway decent chillout tracks. It makes for pleasant listening but runs short on the throat-grabbing, tear duct-opening moments you'd hope for in an uplifting trance release. Clear standout Orbithing (with Orkidea) is a cracking tune that cuts through the glossy murk with its dark bass/synth riff and choppy vocals, and In Your Arms is the best of the rest thanks to Jessica Sweetman's distinctively nasal vocals.

The overall production on Zero Point One is superb which, given Andy's established studio chops, is unsurprising, and the tracks flow seamlessly. Yet the wishy-washy synth lines and generic vocals make it a slightly underwhelming listen. This is well-wrought music that, sadly for a genuine talent and notable figure of the uplifting trance scene, fails to make its mark.