From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-02-18 23:46:34
Jon Freer’s Reviews 18th February 2005.
Album selection:
Octave One – The Theory Of Everything (Concept Music)
Dubble D – Reachin’ Out (2020 Vision)
Hell – NY Muscle (Gigolo Records)
Little Barrie – We Are Little Barrie (Genuine)
Kelvin Raah – Oxymoron (Temp~Records)
Thanks to Sarah at Favoritizm, Jane at 2020, Garo at Rooftop, Will at Inhouse Press and Fernando at Ride Promotion for these…
Octave One – The Theory Of Everything (Concept Music)
Cat No: CEPTCD10. Release Date: 14th March 2005.
“The Theory Of Everything” is a vocal minded stringtastic album from Detroit legends Octave One. There’s hardly a Techno track in sight and the decidedly odd ‘rap tracks’ are probably best left alone, but this album does contain a few masterpieces. “Possession” makes you empathise, due to its mournful keys, dejected strings and ghosted bass. “World U Know” is another less than happy number, where Ann Saunderson’s inconsolable vocals are backed by vivid strings and floated synths. The wondrous “Blackwater” still sounds amazing, as angelic strings and cleanly hit percussion link up behind those romantic vocals. This is not one for technophiles, however it should appeal to those with a soft spot for strings!
Dubble D – Reachin’ Out (2020 Vision)
Cat No: VIS115CD. Release Date: 7th March 2005.
It’s not often that a drummer takes centre stage, but it is the case on this album from the big hitting Dubble D aka Danny Ward. The musical mixture is broad and the live drumming that Danny adds over the tracks gives his music an extra dimension. “Switch” calls on Flora Purim and Diana Booker to add their lovely vocals over prodding percussion, bright-eyed keys and a melt in the mouth bass. “Reach Out” is a nu-age soul jam, with lonely sounding keys, smart bass action and crossed percussion. “Squelch” is a housey effort, where technoid keys, digitised synth stabs and neat percussion link up. Danny’s attention to detail on the production front and talent with the sticks make this an album worth hunting down.
Hell – NY Muscle (Gigolo Records)
US Release Date: 28th March 2005.
Co produced by studio wiz Abe Duque, “NY Muscle” balances stylish guitarred cuts with unadulterated electronic club tracks. There’s a brace of vocal offerings on this album, where big name songsters shine. “Keep On Waiting” features Erlend Oye’s tired vocals, which sit alongside crushing synths, weird electronic squidges and nightmarish bass action. James ‘LCD’ Murphy is the forlorn star of the angry guitar fuelled “Tragic Picture Show”. “Follow You” hits back against the paparazzi and culture of the celebrity over tinny synths, cosmic keys and powdery bass. Good stuff!
Little Barrie – We Are Little Barrie (Genuine)
Cat No: GEN028CD. Available Now.
The petite Barrie turns out to be a threesome who create a past borrowing painting of funked up guitar based numbers. Big with hip hoperatives and the indie crowd, this album is somewhat endearing, despite the fact that Little Barrie do nothing particularly new or innovative. The vocals on “Free Salute” fails to make much sense, but the guitars will certainly lift your spirits when necessary. “Thinking On The Mind” is a preoccupied cut, whose tender nature makes it demand repeat plays. “Move On So Easy” attempts to get over that broken heart, but the baggage carrying bass and earnest guitars make it ever so difficult. An easy listening affair.
Kelvin Raah – Oxymoron (Temp~Records)
Cat No: TMP 006cd. Available Now.
Crazed freestyle jazz meets odd computerised nonsense on this album from Kelvin Raah. “Oxymoron” is a little difficult to get your head round, but from repeat listens the album slowly starts to make sense! “Gin Fizz” is a bizarre cut, with clear keys, playful synths and lightly smacked beats. “Serpentine” sees intriguing keys and eccentric synthetics take centre stage. “Peripherie” watches brass get into key slowly, over live bass delving and space synths. An odd collection to say the least!
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
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