Welcome Reality (Deluxe Version)

Soundtracking a fictional film is easily the next best thing to recording a concept album. With 2011’s Welcome Reality British producers Joe Ray, Dan Stephens and vocalist Alana Watson did just that under the Nero moniker. The futuristic opener “2808” sets the tone for a dark post-apocalyptic realm of electro reality where rock ‘n’ roll has become extinct. It bleeds into the pulsing “Doomsday,” brilliantly infusing progressive arrangements into hard, gritty dubstep. “My Eyes” begins with minimalist Brian Eno-inspired soundscapes before transforming into a Daft Punk-esque ballad where Watson sings like a less quirky Björk. Utilizing timeless technological tones, Both “My Eyes” and the instrumental breaks on “Guilt” blend vintage sounding electronic textures with modern-day innovative production to forge something that plays like an upgraded reworking of Vangelis’ 1982 score for Blade Runner.