Mood Synth

Mood Synth

Track Listings

1. Combat Cocktail

2. Organica

3. Tsunami Cafe

4. Amazing New Music

5. Velveteen Habit

6. Caught And Released

7. Slave Charades

8. Head Cleaner

9. Attention Kid Deficit

10. Urban Servant

11. Redcoats On Main

12. Mozart Folkart

13. Ladies of Fables

14. Beatdown City

15. Being At Height

16. Speaker Mind

Editorial Reviews
- Brokebeat Breaks, 11/25/03
"Pour 1 shot of Herbie Hancock over the Boston Pops, you have a sexy, refreshingly original album."

Product Description
Optimus Rob's debut album Mood Synth is placing him on the radar as one of music's most accessible electronic composers. He's building a name for his crossover acoustic-electronic hybrids of danceable textures and downtempo beats.

Mood Synth is meant for listening to while doing something else. Whatver that something is remains up to you. Personally, I developed this album out of a need for music to play in my headphones while I worked.

This music will gently massage your mind while maintaining a high enough level of stimulation that serves as an aid to creativity and productivity. Unlike many of the radio hits, these tracks will become more appealing the more that you hear them.

This results from their complex layers that appear as a simple façade upon initial listens. Cycling from downtempo rhythms into ambient soundscapes, this music also makes an excellent driving companion.

Trapped by our daily ruts, our minds often narrow their focus until we’re the cliché that cannot "see outside the box." Music can prevent this by subtly expanding mental corridors of creativity through repeated listening of non-repetitive material.

As an electronic composer with ADHD, I have naturally been attracted to music that evolves throughout the song, as opposed to music that just alternates patterns of sound. The latter tends to define modern pop music and can account for the phenomenon of songs being "killed" by excessive radio play.

You’ll find, I hope, that this album seems targeted for a different type of audience – one that doesn’t need a character as a narrator – one that just wants something good to put on during the day.

Mood Synth

Tracks:

Esoteric Manuscripts
Info For The Streets
He Is DJ Hi-Tek
Karma
The Vision
Tunnel Bound
Nuclear Hip-Hop
Another Day
Sacred-Pt. 1
Peddlers Of Doom
Millennium
Babylon The Great
Peace Infinity
Secrets Of The Sand
Illuminated Sunlight
Industry Lies
No Ordinary Brother
Cincinnati

Customer Reviews:

Creepy as hell; and equally dope!.......2006-10-22

Mood, who maybe most recognized for launching DJ Hi-Tek's career, at least outside of their core fanbase, are a group of cats from Cincinatti who are truly as ill as it gets. Their style is menacing, but not to the hardcore effect; they're not the Gravediggaz or Three 6 Mafia, but they manage to intimidate challengers with dope flows, tight lyrics, and top-notch production.

In ways, while not stylistically, they could be compared to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's early material. They have a laid back, and confident approach to some rather malevolent subjects, and they're obsessed with the impending apocalypse. At the same time, don't get that sly comparison twisted; that's merely in their approach to lyrics, and slightly to delivery. Their flows themselves are average cadence, with a relaxed, and clearly comprehendible flow.

The production is some of the finest I've heard on a hip-hop release, handled exclusively by Hi-Tek and Jahson. As the title of the album suggests, there is a lingering sense of doom, and danger throughout the album, and the two talented producers provide a musical loundscape which is similar to a horror movie score. The emcees themselves compliment these dope beats by dropping knowledge, and lyrical gems all throughout. Among their apocalyptic views, they clearly show a conscious side of them, longing for a better world before the one we're currently living in is extinct.

There is no sense in singling out tracks, as each song is as dope as the next. This maybe their only release, but it serves as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of the late nineties; and a sadly very obscure one. People may not fully appreciate this album for its brilliance, but if you're a true hip-hop, and don't own this classic, reward yourself with some of the dopest music to come from the genre, found in Mood's Doom.

real underground Hip Hop.......2006-09-28

A really good underground album like always ! I like only not bling bling hh !! I mean Mood represent Hip hop like it should stay : undeground and not bling bling!!!!!!!

Great.......2005-09-14

I can't believe you had this cd. It was in excellent condition and was a great listen, especially for hip-hop heads interested in the roots of Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek.

"It's A Frame of Mind, It's A Mood".......2005-07-20

No need to sound redundant, but this album is a must for anyone who considers underground hip-hop their lifeline. In my opinion, the most original hip-hop debut, comparable to Blackstar. A historical album resulting in the Kweli and Hi-Tek introduction which led to Blackstar and Reflection Eternal. Word is they are in the lab in Cincinnati working on the new Mood album "7 days, 7 nights".

Great Beat, Great Lyrics, Great Album.......2005-04-26

I feel sorry for the retard who dogged on Mood because he thought their name was doom. Hey buddy, write reviews once you know what your talking about. Quit hatin on groups you don't even know about. Especially Mood. The group, which consists of Main Flow, Donte, Jahson, and Hi Tek on the ones and two's, molds together nicely, all their rhymes have a unique twist, but compliment the others nicely. The beats are all smooth, yet got the vibe to have your head nod. They definitely represent by birth city nicely, C-Town rocks. This is a must have for all the true hip hop heads. To convince you, most of the cd's I own, theres always at least one song that I skip, and I own close to two hundred hip hop albums or compilations. This, no song to skip, great beats, great DJ Hi Tek solo songs, even though I wish they would be longer to here him spin the 1's and 2's longer. On the last note, they have some good collaborations on here, with Talib Kweli getting broke into the game on 4 tracks and definitely doing his thing,and Sunz of Man letting there skills shine. This is a must have. Get this while it's still out there.

Average customer rating:

rain
Astonishing, deep.
ALL THINGS EXQUISITE! I AM A NEW GLOW FAN FOR LIFE!
Everytime I hear This I cannot believe it's not HUGE!!!!
Mmmm...my music collection is getting minty fresh....

Rain Theory
Glow
Manufacturer: Fallen Ember
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Years
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ASIN: B0001VS87K
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Single
Regret
Gabriel
The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Sundays
Another Day
Smiling Down On You
I Can Forget
Reflection
All I Ever Wanted
Gabriel (Remix)

Album Description

Glow's first full-length CD, Rain Theory, improves on the best of their 2003 EP, Gabriel. From the hard-hitting "Single" to the plaintive-yet-danceable "The Wind That Shakes The Barley", Rain Theory's layered musical textures and melodic vocals move in a more upbeat direction while still maintaining their emotional intensity.

Customer Reviews:

rain.......2007-02-09

glad i got this cd its great love the music and singing one of the best ive heard in a long time.

Astonishing, deep........2007-01-05

Recently I purchased Glow's "Rain Theory" and "The Years." The only word that comes to mind in describing "Rain Theory" is astonishing. Glow's beautiful voice combines flawlessly with delightfully simple synthesized instrumentals to provide song after song of deep musical sensations. Many of the songs on "Rain Theory" feature lyrics focused on lost love. At first glance (or listen) someone might think the music here is to be gloomy or moody, but this is not so. The CD's dominant body of work seems to focus intently on themes of pain and healing such that the songs, to me, celebrate human resilience and passage beyond life challenges.

My own musical tastes vary considerably - from disco and classic 80's to contemporary rap and happy hardcore - and I am very happy to make room on my CD rack for Glow's fantastic musical mastery. I encourage everyone to give Glow a listen and be prepared to reawaken your emotions.

ALL THINGS EXQUISITE! I AM A NEW GLOW FAN FOR LIFE!.......2006-01-16

I just recently purchased "Rain Theory", along with "The Years" (the incredible follow-up to this album) and "Gabriel" (the precursor EP of this), and can not possible recommend this enough to anyone willing to listen. Now this is what music should sound like - flawless musical craftsmanship and heartwrenching, soul shattering vocals. This album, much like Glow's sophomore release, "The Years", is a masterful blend of emotional electronica; dark, sexy trip-hop perfectly married with slightly sweetened synthpop. The result? Absolutely delicious and decadent.

I must say that I am fairly disappointed to see that I am only the fourth person to review this album. While I wouldn't expect Glow to be mainstream, given what passes for music in the mainstream, I am really surprised that more electronica fans aren't really all that familiar with Glow. That statement goes for myself as well, a self-confessed audioslave to pretty much anything and everything trip-hop, synthpop and downtempo, as I just very recently made the plunge into Glow. If only I had known earlier what an indispensible addition their albums would be to my collection.

Don't put this one off any longer! Make Glow a part of your constant rotation and you won't be disappointed. Also, don't forget to pick up a copy of "The Years".

Everytime I hear This I cannot believe it's not HUGE!!!!.......2004-12-04

I am a 34 year old Real Estate agent who used to own a Dance Club.... Think 10 years ago going to school... My personal leanings musically are more 80's dance and new wave... I got into the Gin Blossoms, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Origin stuff in the early 90's but when Nirvana changed the style of mainstream music I sort of dropped out... Went to dance music and there wasnt much of it... These past few years as I was busy with a family and real job I have not payed much attention but about a year ago I found Synthpop and www.adifferentdrum.com and www.slothradio.com aside from the synthopop and Blank and Jones type stuff I have been listening to I also have liked a lot of the teen-i-bopper music out latley... really top fourtyish as it has a dancable beat and the best writers seem to have gone that direction for the money.... K thats a long intro for why this album BLOWS me away... I have all this stuff playing in my office to keep me and my staff pumped all the time and whats wierd is we have this server (iTunes) where everyone can choose from 90 gigs woths of music and with iTunes you can keep track of number of plays. In the past 3 months with probably 100 new CDs in the server in that time this one is on top of all of them with the Killers coming in second. Its sort of dark, but energy filled, INCREDIBLE vocals and it really makes you want to dance. Please... check out the different mixes of

Mmmm...my music collection is getting minty fresh...........2004-12-02

I mean it too. These past few albums that I have reveiwed really have brightened my music collection.

There wasn't much excitement going on in my music collection, so I actually did all these recommendation steps for amazon, and WOW. I am getting really good results, and I'm happy I have been taking these risks.

This CD rocks.

It's heavy enough for me, not so light, but it's got a slightly more goth rock/industrial sound to it. Like Ego Likeness or Faith and the Muse.

The first song "Single" is a perfect mix of these elements, and really starts the album off well. I think this group has a lot of potential and hope they continue putting out music.

The "Gabriel" song is really good. It's fast, and it has some good beats.

The remix, which is also on the CD, is positively stunning. I love it. Changes the feel of the song totally. makes it harder, and darker, and even adds some trance to it.

I'm very thankful for finding this genre, and I can only hope to explore it more and more.

Average customer rating:

BIG future
Enigma of the 21st century
GREAT
sooo original
Great Chill-out CD

Gabriel

Manufacturer: Fallen Ember Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rain Theory
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ASIN: B0000859QD
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Intro
Gabriel
Regret
Smiling Down On You
Candy Cakes
Alone

Album Description

This is a really nice 6-song EP from a new synthpop act with female vocal leads. It's really promising with a lush sound and dramatic flare, combined sometimes with a retro synthpop sound (similar to maybe New Order in the mid 80's, but with female vocals). I hope to hear more from Glow in the future. --Todd, ADifferentDrum.com

Customer Reviews:

BIG future.......2003-11-26

I saw this band at Enigma last weekend, and I couldn't wait to get there EP. I have to say that it met my exspectations, and then some. Consider me a new Glow follower.

Enigma of the 21st century.......2003-06-30

This six track EP is really emotional. Coming from a new synth act with female lead vocals called Glow they shows their true talent with "Gabriel". The music is a mix of classic 80ies new wave meets modern synthpop along the lines of Delerium. There is no telling when the LP by these guys will be released. So I highly recommend buying this EP before its gone for good. Five songs have female vocals. while the last track is done by one of the males in the group. Its the best song on the album when his chillin voice sings "Dying here" over and over on the track "Alone". This album has to be really good if me, A person who does'nt get into female vocals very much enjoys it. I would still rather have the guy singing most of the tracks though.

GREAT.......2003-05-29

I have seen this band 3 times locally and I can tell you, they are GREAT! They sound just as they do on the CD. The music is easy to get attached to.

sooo original.......2003-03-07

this is the best music i have heard in a long time. glow has just the right amount of retro, underground flair, mixed with the appeal of pop. this is going to be the next big thing in music. just you wait and see.

Great Chill-out CD.......2003-02-04

After the first play through this CD went straight to the car CD player to get me too and from work in traffic. The CD had a great flow from beginning to end - which unfortunately comes too soon, being only an EP!

I look forward to a future full length release.

Tracks:

Snakebacks (Karma Part Two)
Secrets Of The Sand (Remix)
Millennium
Secrets Of The Sand
Secrets Of the Sand (Remix Instrumental)
Secrets Of The Sand (Instrumental)
Snakebacks (Karma Part Two)(Instrumental)
Peddlers Of Doom Poem

Customer Reviews:

too delicious.......2001-01-31

true hiphop. At it's finest. Music to make love by.

Real Hip-Hop 2000 ( and beyond ).......1999-12-31

Commercial hip-hop, trash to say the least! Mood shows us the state of the world in the next mellenium, and opens up the gates of spirtualtity that were thought to be only true in legends. But alas, the legendary Cincy trio leads the battalion of new school artists soon to eclipse the wack commercialization. You've been warned...

changing the mood of hip hop.......1999-08-03

this is the best hip hop i've heard since boogie down productions. true there has been ill groups but nothing like these cats from cincinnati they representin hip hop to the fullest with their lyrics beats and mentality. keep up the good work peace out DJ.ACE (CINCINNATI OH)

Average customer rating:

Cincinnati's finest by far
"Karma" is a great underground indie single!!!

Karma
Mood
Manufacturer: Tvt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003RKI
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

Karma
Cincinnati
Cincinnati (Remix)
Karma (Instrumental)
Cincinnati (Instrumental)

Customer Reviews:

Cincinnati's finest by far.......2000-11-13

For real though, this single is hot, mood is hella tyte. I've met these cats, and seen them perform live. Help these brothas get some royalties please, cop this single or their LP doom. Any True hip hop head won't be disapointed with either.

"Karma" is a great underground indie single!!!.......1999-07-12

The beat to "Karma" is just mesmerizing: it accompanies the brothers' flows to a T. This song should have gotten more attention than it did. Headz, don't sleep (it's already been slept on), cop this CD Single, it's well worth it!!

Average customer rating:

Mood Synth
Optimus Rob
Manufacturer: Attention Kid Deficit
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Combat Cocktail
Organica
Tsunami Cafe
Amazing New Music
Velveteen Habit
Caught And Released
Slave Charades
Head Cleaner
Attention Kid Deficit
Urban Servant
Redcoats On Main
Mozart Folkart
Ladies of Fables
Beatdown City
Being At Height
Speaker Mind

Album Description

Optimus Rob's debut album Mood Synth is placing him on the radar as one of music's most accessible electronic composers. He's building a name for his crossover acoustic-electronic hybrids of danceable textures and downtempo beats.

Trapped by our daily ruts, our minds often narrow their focus until we're the cliché that cannot "see outside the box." Music can prevent this by subtly expanding mental corridors of creativity through repeated listening of non-repetitive material.

You'll find, I hope, that this album seems targeted for a different type of audience - one that doesn't need a character as a narrator - one that just wants something good to put on during the day.

Synth-Etic House of Trance
Average customer rating:
Synth-Etic House of Trance

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000CAD4HY
Release Date: 2002-10-29

The Pilot Episode
Average customer rating:
The Pilot Episode
Aidy
Manufacturer: Aidy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000CAAF1M
Release Date: 2003-01-01