For those of you anticipating the next John Beltran release as it hits
stateside Monday, here's a preview.
John's returned to his Placid Angles pseudonym for Peacefrog this time
around. Any familiar with his 12" on Retroactive in 1991 (Aquatic) will
note that he has _definitely_ progressed since then, but the motor city
influences still take precedence. With the exception of one track, this
album was recorded and produced entirely by Beltran, too.
Here's the tracklist:
1. Scarlett Season
2. Ocean (London Mix)
3. Fate
4. Casting Shadows (On Warm Sundays)
5. Now And Always
6. Lavina
7. Everything Under The Sun
8. Her Elements
9. December's Tragedy (Revisited)
From the start, you can tell that this album is a branch out into "softer"
tones. "Scarlett Season" starts off with what I initially thought was a flute,
but builds into a different animal. The hand claps and snappy rhythms are
nicely and moderately used to create a definite floor *builder*.
"Ocean" and "Everything Under The Sun" would make great backgrounds for films.
Beltran's somehow managed to make his music even closer to home. These are
great pieces for l i s t e n i n g. His AI approach to composition makes for a
unique hybrid of classical and near new age-esque dance tracks. These are
still techno. The melodies generously compliment the rhythms in producing
familiar moods in his previous work, Ten Days of Blue, this time with an even
deeper experience.
"Fate" and "Casting Shadows..." are essentially John's Warp-like influences.
Fate is a unique, mixable funky party track. This will land a big reaction on
Sheffield's side of the pond. I see big things for this one when played late.
Controls the chaos, quiets the beat assault of the night. Casting Shadows is
for all you Black Dog/Plaid fans out there. Completely representative of this
songwriting style.
"Now And Always" is one of my favorites of the album. Not only because it's
one of Beltran's best intro's ever, but spans the generation gap. Takes techno
to a whole new level.
"Everything Under The Sun" IS my favorite of the whole album. Why? It's
entirely ambient! It's about time, John!! ;) With Beltran's lush melodies, I
was looking forward to a treat like this, and I finally got it. HUGE Bach
influence if anybody else can relate.
"Lavina", "Her Elements", and "December's Tragedy (Revisited)" end up the
album by reminding us we are listening to a "Detroit" artist. It's obvious
that John Beltran absorbs his surroundings wherever he goes and puts them into
his music.
Suggestion? Pick this one up; long overdue...
Look for Beltran's official webpage, "Moods", to launch soon. Will contain
samples of his work up until now, and a preview of his upcoming R&S release
"Moving Through Here", slated for mid-September.
-Horsepower