Chaos by Design is the fourth release by the New Zealand based drum and bass group Concord Dawn. The 2006 album is notable for its production values. The production value of Concord Dawn’s albums has increased with every release, and Chaos by Design is no exception; this is their best produced album to date. Fans of their previous album, Uprising, will find a lot to like in Chaos by Design. The Kiwi duo have once again brought a lot of outside talent into the recording studio to lay down vocals for about half the tracks on the album. The other half of the album is instrumental, and should be immediately recognizable by fans of their self-titled album or Disturbance.
I have a personal preference for the tracks with vocals, as they tend to stand out from the rest of the album, and not only because of the vocals. Motorola T6222 Manual. They tended to be more experimental in their sound when they were working with other musicians. Many of the tracks with vocals, like “Broken Eyes” and “Never Give up on Love,” are attention-grabbing and represent a paradigm shift for Concord Dawn, while many of their instrumental tracks would feel at home on their older albums. Broken Eyes is the first track on the album, and is a strong introduction. There is a booming bass line throughout the entire piece, and a fast, driving rhythm of snares. The bridge is what makes the song truly memorable, however.
Guitar samples, unusual in a drum and bass piece, give it some character and help separate it from everything else on the album. The vocals sections are well-written, if slightly depressing. “When there’s no need to stay, the day dream wilts away – this cold reality. Some things are meant to be.” The vocals have a haunting quality to them that completely fits their lyrical content. Frequent breaks and breakdowns before each repetition of the bridge contribute to its effect. Another memorable track from the album is “Never Give up on Love,” featuring Tiki Taane, the former frontman of Salmonella Dub.