[acid-jazz] Reviewz

From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-02-07 23:42:56

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    Jon Freer’s Reviews 7th February 2005.

    Album & comp action:
    V/A – Joey Negro In The House (Defected)
    Lindstrom – Another Side Of Lindstrom (Outergaze)
    Thievery Corporation – The Cosmic Gate (Eighteenth St. Lounge)
    Mount Sims – Wild Light (Gigolo Records)
    Donati – Casa Brasil (Cool D:Vision)

    Thanks to Toni T at Defected, Kae at Outergaze, Anton at Trailer Media, Garo at Rooftop Promotion and Steve at Timewarp for these.

    V/A – Joey Negro In The House (Defected)
    Cat No: ITH 12. Available Now.
    Mr. Sunburst Band takes time out from re-editing dusty gems in order to trot out this disco-leaning House comp for Defected. There are no real surprises here, but the selection is appetising, with Joey providing a dancefloor-pushing extension to many a track. The Sunburst Band’s own “Everyday” is a pleasure-giving sweet number, with flawless guitars, velvety bass action and exquisite keys. Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley’s version of “Are You Gonna Be There” by Shay Jones is a rip-roaring dancefloor excursion, where time-honoured keys, stylish guitars and a retro yet fashionable bass meet under questioning vocals. Beady Belle’s “Hindsight as ricanstructed by Frankie Feliciano becomes a deep minded gem, courtesy of reliable beats, Osunlade inspired fuzzy synthetics and resigned vocals. A well polished selection.

    Lindstrom – Another Side Of Lindstrom (Outergaze)
    Cat No: OG 010. Release Date: March 2005.
    Hans-Peter Lindstrom blesses the ever-reliable Outergaze imprint with an EP of wigged out cosmic disco and future house flavours. Spacey wide-eyed grooves are the order of the day on this attention-holding release from a producer who’s highly respected by many. “Take Me To The Metro” is the pick here, courtesy of its crazily electrifying strings, ice-cool bass guitar and bright jazzed out keys. “Juazza” sees listen to me keys, forward beats and considerate guitars combine in a startling manner. “Eeey” has an impenetrable bass, which deflated beats, slow breathing keys and groovesome guitars sit upon. Spacey fun for all.

    Thievery Corporation – The Cosmic Gate (Eighteenth St. Lounge)
    Cat No: ESL 081. Release Date: February 21st 2005.
    The corp supply an album that contains typical ‘Thievery’ moments and novel passages. Stoned sleepy grooves sit behind “The Cosmic Gate” alongside tuff dubbed excursions, twee eastern sunrises and hipped-up percussive offerings. “Marching The Hate Machines (Into The Sun)” features the Flaming Lips and the track is a very emotionally demanding string laced number. Gigi contributes vocals to “Pela Janella (Through The Window)” where restrained carnival-esque percussion team up with a heavy breathing bass and guitars that will put a smile on your face. “The Time We Lost Our Way” recalls the break up of a relationship, as a lonely guitar and a reflective bass attempt to console vocalist LouLou. The Thievery Corp hit a few duff notes along the way, but on balance, their fourth album is something they should be proud of.

    Mount Sims – Wild Light (Gigolo Records)
    Cat No: GIGOLO 139. Release Date: February 22nd 2005.
    “Wild Light” is a pretty good summary of Mount Sims’ second album for Hell’s saucy Gigolo stable, with ‘Wild’ being the operative word. There are some pretty terrible vocal-led tracks that sit alongside those that work just nicely, while instrumental cuts range from ear bashing interludes to exciting angular hitters. “Restless” tosses and turns, as lonesome vocals sit upon a bed of tripped out synths, nouevau elec-core keys and impact making beats. “Wild Light” is a straightforward synth led number, with fake Detroit keys and apocalyptic chords. “Falling Up” moves the wrong way, courtesy of its shaking beats, uneasiness filled synths and an attacking bass. This is a confusing LP that will make you beam and scream in equal amounts.

    Donati – Casa Brasil (Cool D:Vision)
    Cat No: CLD CD024/04. Available Now.
    Sweet Brazilian vibes are the order of the day on this LP from Donati. There are some beautifully tender moments on this release, which is tailor made for those more subdued moments. “A Casa Do Querer” sees thoughtful keys hook up with untamed acoustic guitar action and sweet vocals. “É Preciso Perdoar” has wonderful Bebel type vocals, which are backed nicely by blankly stairing keys and strolling guitars. “Vaporosa” is a fragile number, where wind-up keys, gilded strings and cool percussive overplays combine. Relaxing listening!

    Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
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