Some new reviews...
. Rhythm & Sound w/ Cornel Campbell: king in my empire 10" (Burial Mix)
The Basic Channel deities revive their long-dormant dub label, Burial
Mix, with a 10" ep by Rhythm & Sound and 60s roots reggae
legend/vocalist Cornel Campbell. The a-sidefeatures the original mix
of 'King iin my Empire" which features the typical bass-heavy
bc/r&s-styled downtempo dub mixed with Campbell's smooth melodic
singing (which is noticably more upbeat and poppy than Tikiman's
monotone chants). The b-side features a dub version of the a-side and
contains similar instrumentation as well as sparingly used vocal
samples from the original. Overall, 'King In My Empire' is a solid ep
but Cornel Campbell's vocals definitely give this release a different
sound & feeling than all previous Burial Mix and Rhythm & Sound
efforts but fans of other burial mix/rhythm & sound releases should
welcome this ep into their collections nonetheless. Anybody have any
opinions on the Cornel Campbell solo releases?
. Alva Noto + Opiate: opto files cd (Raster-Static)
A sublime 4-track collaborative cd between carsten nicolai (aka noto,
_ of Cyclo, & Raster-Noton label co-head) and thomas knnak (aka
Opiate, 1/3 of Future 3, & Hobby Industries label head) that
showcases the structured rhythmic approach of Noto as well as the
layered melodic textures of Opiate. Tracks 'Opto Files 1 & 3' both
feature deep layered, almost poppy, melodies with intricate yet suble
percussive movements underneath similar to previous Opiate-related
releases on April, Hobby Industries, City Centre Offices, Morr Music,
etc. 'Opto Files 2 & 4,' on the other hand, are hypnotizing journeys
into structured yet subtle percussive loops adorned with pops,
clicks, buzzes, and shifting monotone melodies giving these tracks
more of a Noto feel. 'Opto Files' is a strong cd of melodic warmth,
delicate glitch, and rhythmic subtlety - recommended. For more
information on this release visit the label website at
http://www.raster-noton.de
. Ep1 Motion Re(e)leases series comp cd (Spa.rk)
The debut release on the new Spa.rk label out of Barcelona, Spain is
this six-track compilation featuring tracks from dot, komp,
bump-n-grind, si-cut-db, balb/c, and mikael romanenko. Dot (aka ben
hatchelt) starts of the release with a nice experimental downtempo
track called 'taken.' Next is Komp's 'apablo' is a delightful piece
of slo-mo ambient dub. Bump-n-Grind follows with an evolving
experimental techno track called 'another seq.' Si-cut-db's
contribution called 'april variation' is a minimal squelchy number
with dub flavor. Next comes Balb/c's 'arousal' which is a punchy
melodic electro track infested with crackling squealing insect
noises. The compilation comes to a close with a track from Benbecula
artist Mikael Romanenko called 'la belle femme' which is a funky
melodic number with a cool shuffle beat. Many high points with few
sleepers on this compilation. Overall this first release by Spa.rk is
an impressively diverse compilation with fresh sounds. Looking
forward to hearing more from Spa.rk. For more information visit:
http://www.sparkreleases.com/
. Marumari: supermogadon cd (Carpark)
'Supermogdon' is Marumari's fourth album and arguably his best
release to date. It features twelve tracks (several of which are
short interludes) of delightfully playful & poppy electronica. The
high-points onf 'Supermogdon' abound - from the prog-sounding
sample-laiden 'rocket summer' to the cut-up female vocals in 'yila'
and 'baby m' to bouncy melodies and reverberations of 'indigo
florest' to the effervescent melodies & percussion of 'holograft' to
the dubby ambient sendoff of 'super botany.' Marumari's talent for
meloncholy melodies has been honed to a razor's edge that seems to
only get sharper (and more dangerous) with each release. Recommended
for those into light playful electronica. For more information and
some sound samples check:
http://www.carparkrecords.com or
http://www.marumari.com
. Solenoid: the narcissist cd (Hiao Hiao Hiao)
The eletro-revival is alive and well as evident from Solenoid's new
dark retro electro masterpiece called 'The Narcissist.' After limited
releases on Emanate, Outward Music Co, and Diskono that all tackled
different musical styles, Solenoid focused his attention on capturing
the most authentic mix of late-80s electro instrumentation and
melodies that I've heard in some time. Tracks like 'Dekard' and 'The
Narcissist' would sound perfectly at home next to Model 500's 'No
UFOs' whereas 'Mar5' and 'Suspension' have to be lost instrumental
tracks from New Order. But there are a few more contemporary-sounding
Anthony Rother-esque contributions to this album as well including
'Peregi' and 'Details.' Overall, Solenoid's 'The Narcissist' sounds
like a mix of classic Model 500, Anthony Rother, and some of the
instrumental Ersatz Audio releases. A retro-electro must-have.
Recommended. For more information check the Hiao Hiao Hiao label
website at:
http://www.hiaohiaohiao.com
More reviews coming soon. Feel free to email me if
you have any questions.
--
-->-Lance----
PO Box 450715
Westlake, OH 44145
United States
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