-----------Previous post got fucked up, sorry for the dupe-------------
*****CD Review*****
Artist: L.A. Synthesis
Title: Matrix Surfer
Shield Records CD 101
I'm not half as good at review writing as some of the folks on this
list, so bear with me. This is a cd I picked up over a year ago that I
recently started playing again, and I think it deserves mention.
1. Matrix Surfer 5:42
2. Positive Negative 5:41
3. Fromage Centralle 8:43
4. Wasteland 6:02
5. Frozen Trundra 6:50
6. Agraphobia 9:04
7. If 5:11
8. Du Androids Dream 6:32
9. Frozen Tundra Dub 9:54
10. Zullvakrvnn 7:37
Think back and remember the Apollo II compilation on R&S records. On
Disc 1 track 7 you will find 'Agraphobia.' When I first heard it, I though it
was the best song on the comp, (just edging out David Morley's 'First Floor'
track. And I still do. This song prompted me to seek out the full lengh, and
when I found it, I was not let down.
The CD represents a side of IDM that I miss. Less breakbeat, more
ambient. The whole CD has lush, rich textures and complex rhythms running
through it. As each song progresses, styles and melodies change and mutate,
but the song never loses its underlying drive. It keeps your attention as it
pulls you through its changes without ever getting tired or boring. The album
is very original despite the fact that it is not all that experimental. It
has its own unique 'sound' to it derived from very complex and overlapping
melodies. It has to be at leat two years old (no date on disc) but still
sounds as relevant today as it did the day I bought it.
Some of the best tracks include: Matrix Surfer, Do Androids Dream, If,
and Agraphobia. These songs will stick in your head. The disc reminds me of
LFO's "Advance" (almost as accessable, longer 'softer' songs with a more
complex structure.) Very well produced / engineered. I think you folks will
like it. 8/10
P.S. All tracks written by Tony Gallagher and Carl Grant. Produced by
Paul Rip c/o Plink Plonk. If anyone on the list knows anything that these
guys may have done either as La Synthesis or by any other name, please
respond! That is all.
--------------------Izzo..............................