I've finally got it. The new Jega 12" [SKAM009]
Because of all the negative reviews I was somewhat apprehensive about putting
it on my turntable. So I listened to Locust, Autechre and the Skampler first as
I wanted to clear my mind.
Anyways. Your reviews were wrong and right in parts. The guy has 'something':
some things I like, others things I don't.
Side A:
The first track 'card hore' pisses me off. All this jungle, Squarepusher
drumpattern madness, eheheh-stuff (whatever), is getting rather tedious. He
does it well, but every time I played it, after about 1 minute I felt I'd heard
enough already. It felt like a chore to continue listening to it. Time for
something new.
I like the moody melodies and straight rhytms of 'Oak Hanger', but 'Nausicaa'
does credit to it's name. Whoever first thought of getting samples of kids
singing silly la-la-la tunes should be hanged. I still have nightmares of
expert knob twiddlers.
For me Side B holds more Jega appeal.
I LOVE 'stainless steel drum'. I've always been a sucker for harsh metallic
beats, and broody melodies. (No, you can't have my Kinestesia) In a way it
reminds me of one of Plod's demo tapes. Can't put my finger on it so I'll have
to go and listen to Plod again now.
'Star' reminds me of Autechre. Incunabula Autechre that is; one of the best
records ever made and still good music any day of the week. Jega gives it extra
spice, so no complaints at all here.
I also LOVE 'Houdini'. Good rhythms, great melodies, I couldn't wish for more.
This track makes me feel as if I'm standing on the edge of the world watching
it being created ... Great washing oceans, bubbling vulcano's, long, long
flowing rivers ...
All in all it's not a bad record. 2 Loves, 2 Likes and 2 Hates out of 6.
But ...
Helen