It seems that everyone has something to say about Beaumont's new LP
Here's my "review"
I'll start with the Ormeau singles
Neither of the 12" mixes are the same as the LP version.
12" #1 GENP(X)33 has a down tempo vocal - very moody and pleasant,
while 12" #2 GENP(R)33 has an uptempo instrumental.
The b-side track "Substance" is excellent, like Autechre's uptempo
stuff, prefer the GENPX33 version myself
Autun reminds me of Joy Divsion in places, and is not really my cup
of tea
On the LP, "Ormeau" receives a third mix. This is a good track, the
strange husky vocal complements the track well.
"Woven textures" is a very mildly reprogrammed version of the
"texturology" track, plus Lida's vocals again. Touch Your Skin is
slow and haunting and rather good. However things get rather patchy.
"No Secret" consists of little more than bass and gets rather dull.
"Nightride" I found quite engaging but somehow unsatisfying.
"Toxicity" is a fairly uninspired rap over a BH hip-hop beat. The
most interesting feature of this is the ambient breaks. When the
rapper stops, so does the beat...
"In our lifetime" starts and finishes like something off Aphex's
"AWII" but unfortunately is a monotonous percussion track in the
middle.
Finally "Killing Fields" has a very strange poem recited over an
ambient background.
There are some good ideas in this LP, and some good tracks. On the
sleeve notes BH criticizes journalists etc for too much bullshit and
not enough criticism, and challenges the world to listen to the good
and bad side of his music. Well I guess he's succeeded. This is a
patchy album, and I would back others in recommending either version
of "texturology" over this. The first 12" Ormeau/Substance is a
quality release. The rest is up to you.
J
^
James Skilton aka Steady J - jamess@firefox.co.uk