MUSIC: The Return of the Chlorophyll Bunny (2003)

The Return of the Chlorophyll Bunny
2003
OLIVIA

In this (mini) album, Olivia opens with more ambience and less rock. The first two tracks, Dreamcamp and Skip to a Little, are slower than her previous works. This gives us the opportunity to actually hear Olivia’s voice with minimal production. It’s actually heavier and deeper, less annoying than the usual high-pitched JPop voice. But then again, Olivia’s not very usual.

The Return of the Chlorophyll Bunny sounds different from Olivia’s previous releases because you can actually hear the musical instrument in the background. I don’t actually usually pay attention to these things so when I notice them, I’m pretty sure something is up.

I wouldn’t say that this release is better but it does deviate. The sound is more solid (yet still accessible) rock rather than an eccentric, experimental, trip hop style.

In terms of song title and song style, this is Olivia’s most accessible album yet. There are no quirks and the songs are actually easy to sing along to. She’s beginning to sound like Evanescence way back when they released Origin.

FINAL RATING:
[3] out of [5]

MUSIC: Merry & Hell Go Round (2003)

Merry & Hell Go Round
2003
OLIVIA

I’d describe Merry & Hell Go Round as ‘ambient gothic’ but then again, even I don’t know what exactly that means. The first two tracks, SpidER Spins and Denial, feel like they belong to a film about vampires. Not the Nosferatu, disfigured vamps but the hot vampires that this generation might associate with Stephanie Mayer. I haven’t actually read her books but I do love vampires so the fact that Olivia’s music can be associated with bloodsuckers is quite good.

While Blind Unicorn continues with a rock sound, Olivia breaks the monotony with Cupid. The track throws in her dark trip hop style that I have become quite fond of.

The album closes with a lot of noise. Sugarbloodsuckers is the experimental rock side of Olivia and I won’t say I like it. I actually cringe at the track. But if you listen carefully, you’ll hear Olivia singing these aria-like bits. The mix is not that bad but I don’t think I’ll ever be a fan of this style.

FINAL RATING:
[3] out of [5]