Like I posted a few nights ago I have some reviews of somee stuff I picked
up last weekend...
Jimi Tenor
new Speedy J single
new A Guy Called Gerald single
a release by Mick Harris/Eraldo Bernocchi called "overload lady,"
Jimi Tenor-
Ok there's been a lot of posts about this release so I'll try to make it
quick. Yes this an atypical 'IDM list' release. Yes some people might
construe this record as 'easy listening' or even 'acid jazz'. And yes, it
is totally relevant to this list. I love records like this one because
they are a good break from the purist's definition of IDM. Like Greg at
Warp and others have posted, it's a jazzy, groovy record with vocals and a
clean electronic edge. I can't remeber the last time I've heard
traditional instruments and electronic ones gel so well together. A very
hip and polished release. Imagine the Mike P.-Jake Slazenger records with
about 75% of the cheese removed and replaced with more innovation and
drive and you'll have 'Intervison'. The only semi-knock I have for this is
the, of all things, album cover. This guy looks like a pop star waiting to
happen.
Speedy J "Ni go snix"
Again you can hear this for yourself at plus8, so I'll make this quick-
This realease is sure to polarize the Speedy J fans out there. No more
909's, 808's or 303's for Jochem and crew. Imagine all the guys on Rephlex
getting together and making a record. There's one catch-none of them have
a memory capacity of more than 1 minute. There are some serious fucked up
noises on this release ala Aphex and just when you think you've figured
out the paticular song, it changes mood. A total rollercoaster ride, if a
bit uneven. Track 3 stands out for me, a good study in ambient (fuck I'll
say it) drilln-bass. The Mike P. mix needs more method than madness, he
goes over that thin line between 'hard to listen to but innovative' and
'hard to listen to and annoying.'
This single will put hair on any IDM'ers chest...whether that's a good
thing I'm not sure.
A Guy Called Gerald "So Many Dreams"
Not really a new release, but newly redone. Includes the original track
from a couple of years ago, the new version from the recently released BST
and a few mixes. The Aquasky mix (there's also an edit) is OK, not bad,
but falls in that 'sanitized' drum-n-bass category. It never really gets
jumpin'. The remix of the track, I assume by Gerald, is awesome. Gerald's
style is great because he falls right in between the old jungle roots and
the newer d&b hybrids. Somehow he's raw and polished at the same time-and
this track shows it. No one layers rhythm patterns and breaks like he
does, and he's one of only a hanful who can still get away with employing
the diva vocals. If this track, along with the new ones on BST and the one
on Breakbeat Science are an indication of what's to come from him, I can't
wait!
Lastly, Mick Harris/Eraldo Bernocchi called "overload lady,"
Every now and then you have to get a CD you know nothing about. The album
falls into the intelli-jungle set, moving toward the darker end of the
spectrum. 5 tracks, all about the same degree of mood, tempo, and
sophistication. Some nice wobbly bass distortion the likes of which
I've never heard before, along with some brooding ambient textures and
background/white noise effects. I only wish these guys had played with the
rythms patterns more (made them more chaotic). All songs have a continous
drum loop akin to techstep (which I hate), but are saved by other, more
spontaneous loops coming in and out. This record is growing on me...
Does anyone have more info on this one? Like who are these guys? It says
it was recorded in Birmnigham England (no duh) but other than that I don't
know much about these dudes...
Sorry for the long post but I figured we've got to put up more reviews!
Peace!
Nate Harrison
Digital Magician Inc.
www.digimagician.com
nate@digimagician.com
313.994.7316