From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2003-08-09 23:35:56
Jon Freer’s Reviews for the Exceptional Records website. 9th August 2003.
Thanks to Tash at Exceptional for these...
Susumu Yokota – Sound Of Sky (Exceptional)
Another genius based in the land of the rising sun, Susumu Yokota makes dangerously touching compositions at a variety of tempos. This offering sees him cast his eyes heavenward for inspiration. “Nothing Time” is quite a repulsive title for such a choice moment on the album, where glorious keys, an undergrooving bass, sparkling synths and relaxing breaks combine. “Sky Blue”, with its upfront breaks, magic keys, energetic strings and bright screaming synths, is probably inspired by the beauty of the place above the clouds, not a midlands based first division football team. “King Of Darkness” is an alluring mysterious track, with impossible to ignore striking key chords, hefty live bass and graceful piano melody. “Sound Of Sky” is a superior selection of challenging yet rewarding music from Susumu Yokota.
Susumu Yokota – Zero (Exceptional)
Produced in the year 2000, “Zero” was inspired by the dawn of a new century. Looking towards the future as well as remembering the past, this album from Susumu Yokota fuses traditional ideals with modern concepts. “Fake Funk” is not as superficial as it sounds, thanks to defined percussion, soaring synths, luxurious dancing keys and a proud guitar. “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This” features the wonderful Alice Russell, who feels like she’s found true happiness on earth, alongside eager adoring keys, a melodious grooving bass and unflappable breaks. “Feel My Love” is a demonstrative cut, with an endearing flute, benevolent vocals, cheerful keys and a cushioned bass. A positive vision of the present and the future…
UFO – V (Exceptional)
They may purport to be from a different planet, but this offering from the United Future Organisation shows them to merely be forward thinking humans, not mysterious extra-terrestrials. Skilful production work alongside a deep compassion for life in general has set this Japanese collective apart from the rest. “No Problem” belies its title, as saddened keys sniffle, slow moving beats morosely drag their feet and utopian vocals look toward the past with rose tinted spectacles. “Por Do Sol” praises the natural source of energy, courtesy of sharp bass moves, an open acoustic guitar, chewed up vocals and dazzling keys. “Listen Love” is a heart-rending plea for understanding as well as mere listening, courtesy of fanatical vocals, tormented chords, chopped percussion and sincere keys. A thoroughly engaging selection.
Jon Freer(jon-freer_at_excite.com)
reviewer and writer for the following
websites and magazines:
littleplanet.net, City Life Magazine, XLR8R Magazine,
Keep On Magazine, pitchadjust.com, beyondjazz.net
Store Records(Sheffield), cratertechnology.com,
vybemuzik.com, Steel Press, deephousenetwork.com,
offitsface.com, Sandman mag, breakevencrew.com,
overloadmedia.co.uk, funk-me.com, Vanguard online,
quadrastate.co.uk, spaced.co.uk, hotwatermusic.co.uk,
beats.to, housecollective.org, capitolvibes.com,
www.selekta.com, djriri.com, universalsource.co.uk,
Inner Loop Magazine, housemuziq.com, undergroundhouse.net, worlddj.com,
mosoul.co.uk, discotribe.net, flygarictracks.com,
skansen.no,
planetsoulnetwork.com
mundovibes.com
nwdnb.co.uk
allaboutdj.com...
Writer for:
Brique Rouge, Foreplay Recordings,
Robsoul Recordings, Dust Traxx,
Spiritual Life Music and more...
_______________________________________________