anyway, if youre longing for the "old" or perhaps "traditional" Takemura
stuff - forget it. This release is nothing like the old stuff. This is way
more experimental, dirty and hard to get a grip on. This is by no means
cheasy japanese stuff (not that I thought the old stuff was either.. but
someone might :-)
Anyway. In short this is a record with 18 diferent collages of sounds.
Somewhere you will find a beat, a real dirty beat. Somwhere there is a
hint of drum'n'bass, but not for long. Somewhere you find a notice of the
"old" Takemura in the sense of harmonys and sounds, but not without it
beeing interupted by a high pitched tune or noise (yes... i nearly bursted
my headz a couple of times). Sometimes its slow, almost painfylly slow.
Somehow one knows its Takemura, but it all sounds twisted... one of the
songs got a sound that definatley reminds me of the old Popey arcade-game
from the early 80s... partly the drum treatment is among the strangest
stuff Ive ever heard... partly its annoying... partly its beatiful.
Is it bad? Is it good? Actually I cant give a straight answer. Its, as
said before, not easy. Instead its down right damn hard to listen to. But
still, its got my attention at least. Its different and interesting, but
not necessarily good and enjoyable. In short - its experimental. So, be
warned but curious.
I do know one thing for sure. Takemuras changed. And it wont be this
release Ill remember in ten years and think "wow, that Takemura guy makes
nice and soft stuff". But it just might be this release I in fact will
remember in ten years anyway...
well... also be sure to check out the new Free-zone compilation (number 5)
that will hit the streets soon... thats double-pack cd killer...
Especially Ian O'Brians "Mina's Blues" - its gone for repeat about ten
times today... lovley stuff...
best,
/marten
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(who must ad that Reflection live was a hell of a treat... )