Begging for it...
Here you go:
ARTIST: Metamatics
TITLE: A Metamatics Production (released 7/4)
LABEL: Clear
FORMAT: CD
TRACKS: Swimmer / Skunk Me / Blue Water / Dope for the Robot / Piece it
Together /
Raytrax / Meander / Two the Point / Repeater / No Conimentz / Dope Robot's
Revenge.
This CD is a compilation of the four limited 12"s that Clear has released
during the spring, also, one extra track, "Skunk Me", is added.
I haven't actually bought the 12"s yet, so this was something of a surprise
to me, having actually heard all of the other Clear artists. Metamatics have
(according to the release info) produced music since 1992, and have got
offers from other labels but nevertheless decided to sign to Clear, with
"EP1" being the first item released.
"A Metamatics Production" is a varied CD with everything from house to drum
n bass. As always when Clear's up to something the electro-funk (or whatever
you call it) has got an important role on this release. Those
synth-portamento sounds combined with pure electronic beats and grooves at
least gets me going.
The album starts off with "Swimmer" a mellow, atmospheric drum n bass track.
Somewhat similar to the Endemic Void remix of Tupilaqs "Chapell Perilious".
Minimal beats, nice pads, subbasses... Since I've drum n bass up my throat,
I'm not to fond of this track... If you're not, it's a nice one.
The extra track "Skunk Me" is also a bit drumnbass-ish, but the beats are
wicked on this one. Dark bass and a little fancy funkmelody and the place is
rockin. This is really something. Bird noices. It all seems random... Like
if they just clicked it into the sequencer. "Blue Water" is one of the most
beautiful tracks on the whole album. A tweaking sound makes something of a
"Last Ninja" melody, 808/metallic drums. One of the sharpest tracks without
doubt. Very minimal, delightful and atmospheric.
"Dope for the Robot" wins the prize for best title. A funky Clear-ish kinda
track. Nothing special.
The next one "Piece it Together" is one of my favorites. The drums sounds
are not as electronic as on the other tracks, and certainly not as stiff,
almost sound improvised. Delayed pads are doing the harmonies assisted by an
analogue wet bass. Of course some funky melodies as well. Then "Raytrax".
One of the few good drum n bass tracks i've heard in quite some time.
Saxophone! Bass that makes your loudspeakers go "brrrrrr"! Windpads!
Birdsounds! Aces.
Ah well, I don't feel like doing a full track-by-track review. This is the
way it always turns out... After half of the record you're tired...
However, it's a great album. If you just try to forget the two house tracks
(they suck like all house...:) it's actually damn good. It's not very hard
to hear that it's a Clear record, but wtf, it works. Like every other Clear
release (except for "easy does it" by clatterbox) i strongly recommend you
to buy this one, or maybe the four 12"s if you can get em (they're all
limited to 1500). Clear clearly once again shows us that they are the best
UK label at the moment. Cutting edge electronica.
Franz.
- franz johan marino enmark '''''''' = ) - =-= = '''''''''' -
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http://gargamel.com/plod -->-->--> -/ - - - ] '''''''' -
- eggshell@ts.umu.se ''''''''''''''' = -.. =-= = '''''''''' -