On its surface,
the Orb's
Prism seems to pay homage to
The Dark Side of the Moon, similar to the way the cover of
Live 93 cheekily nodded to
Animals.
Prism continues in the collaboration-heavy spirit of their previous two albums, with the group's core duo consisting of founder
Dr. Alex Paterson and newer recruit
Michael Rendall, and guest contributors including
Youth,
Gaudi,
David Harrow,
Leandro Fresco, and others. Not as politically motivated as
Abolition of the Royal Familia, or other albums the band has described as peaceful protests,
Prism still maintains concern for the future with song titles like "The Beginning of the End" and "Living in Recycled Times." Opening track "H.O.M.E. (High Orbs Mini Earths)" celebrates the planet with its opening poem ("I love this world and all her beauty") and serene neo-classical soundscapes, taking its time to build up to a percolating space-disco pulse. "Why Can You Be in Two Places at Once, When You Can't Be Anywhere at All (Gary's Mix)" is a summery, easygoing disco house number inspired by '70s comedy records, from the
Firesign Theatre-esque title to the
Cheech & Chong-like dialogue throughout the track. In line with the group's sense of humor, the album's most dubwise tracks are loaded with goofy samples, like the cats meowing throughout "Picking Tea Leaves & Chasing Butterflies," which also has near-operatic vocals and a retro radio outro. "The Beginning of the End" is a lush deep house track evoking a voyage to Chicago, with a sample of an on-board announcement from a flight to the Windy City. "Living in Recycled Times" features guest vocalist
Rachel D'Arcy's assuring words ("never give up") and a liquid drum'n'bass rhythm driving through nocturnal ambiance, ending with more radio voices and spacy effects. ~ Paul Simpson
