“Disconnected” is the second full album by The Dark Villager (a.k.a. “Dr. Dark“, a.k.a. “Ant“), released in February of 2009. Having already tasted from Dr. Dark’s menu of music with “System” (his latest project), by visiting his YouTube channel and website (www.darkvillager.com), and experiencing his most recent pieces, I have become familiar with his diversity and penchant to surprise and make you sit up and take notice. Some of his music is reminiscent of the Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Kraftwerk, but only as a respectful nod. Dr. Dark’s style is his own, and he can hold his own in the musical arena. Nor is he limited to one genre of music. Folk songs, ballads, and classical themes all have a place in his repertoire. Ant has finely honed the ability to build layers of music and sound, creating the perfect blend, without having one-too-many-sequins. In this CD, I think he is making use of many different styles and techniques, experimenting with sound and voice (human and digitized) to define himself musically at that place and time in his life. All the tracks are large in feeling, with lots of bass and driving beat, but not as edgy as “System”. The first track on the CD is “The Plug”, which starts out with an eerie feel, slowly building and bursting into busy boisterousness. Many of his pieces are musical roller-coaster rides, and this is one of them. I love the driving percussion about mid-point. This track keeps you on your toes, and moving. “I See You”, is an energetic, catchy tune that makes light of the music business. Ant keeps everything crisp and clean here. Ant really captures the feel of hustle and bustle in “The City”. It is a fast-paced piece, dominated by a busy bass line, and with a jazzy taste to it. “Going Around Again” has a very techno flavor, with lots of swell and fullness building within it. I do wish that the vocals were more prominent though; it is difficult at times to hear them. Ant utilizes his expertise in “Rainbows”, showcasing again the clean layering of voice and music. When I saw the title, “Another Stupid Song”, I thought that it was going to be one of Ant’s silly songs, but not so. It’s a witty, lively, upbeat track. Time for a breather; “Broken Link”, is an even paced quick piece. A nice interlude. “If I Had a Dog”, is a slower, more subdued piece, nicely blended. the voice is prominent here and sounds good. I haven’t asked Ant, but it sounds like there is a synthesized voice in the background saying something over and over during the chorus. I can’t figure out exactly what though. I like this about his music; every time I listen, I find something new, and hear things that surprise, and intrigue me, and keep me interested. “Constantly Forever” is slow and determined, slightly dark, with a voluptuous feeling to it, and a nice tempo change in the middle. Ant’s vocals here are smooth and velvety. This is a catchy tune, with hooks, like “One” from “System”, and it’s taken up residence in my mind, and I find myself absent-mindedly singing the chorus. “Elevation” is beautifully technical, vibrant, and melodious. “Disconnected” is an edgy track, with pounding bass setting the angry tone. The synthesized vocals here are perfect to convey the emotion, or rather, the lack of emotion. It had never occurred to me to use the word “Disconnected” to describe the feeling, but Ant does it perfectly. I love the way he layers the vocals at the end of the track, blending without losing the character of each part. I wonder if Ant intentionally left the best for last with “Polarized”. This one gives me goose bumps. It is a beautifully orchestrated, pulsating track that builds a massive tension, steadily piling on the layers without making it muddy or bottom-heavy. No matter how much I turn up the volume here, it remains crisp and clean, a wondrous assault on the ears! Superb! If you close your eyes with headphones on, listening to this one, it will suck you in. I know. I‘ve often said that it would be very hard to pick just one of the Dark Villager‘s songs as a representative of his abilities; he is a kaleidoscope of talent, diversity and feeling. Ever changing. Unexpected. Surprising. “Disconnected” is a perfect snapshot in the Dark Villager’s ever-evolving album of Music.

Smothers you in sine-waves of electronic beats, synths, pop-bleeps and poetry!