From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-05-03 23:17:37
Jon Freer's Reviews 3rd May 2005.
Album and comp selection:
Break Reform – Reformation (Abstract Blue)
Aya – Strange Flower (Naked Music)
Eddy Meets Yannah – Just Like…(Compost Records)
Marco Passarani – Sullen Look (Peacefrog)
Hiltmeyer Inc. – Sendling 70 (Gomma)
Ils – Bohemia (Distinctive Breaks)
Thanks to Ben at BKS, Break Reform, Ben at Fluid Nation, Nadine, Carina and Nina at Compost, Lily at Peacefrog, Jonas at EPM, Garo at Rooftop and Anton at Trailer Media for these…
Break Reform – Reformation (Abstract Blue)
Cat No: ABRCD04. Release Date: 23rd May 2005.
This second album from the London based trio shows that they've not lost the ability to make jazz-leaning soul hop of the ridiculously emotionally demanding type. Agonizingly involving, Nanar Vorperian's vocals are on the one hand heavy with the weight of relationship issues that are at the core of her lyrics, but the load is lightened by the inclusion of classical mythology inspired storylines. "Waiting" pines for that special someone, over vulnerable keys, expectant brass and a bass that is tired of being patient. "Cut A Map In The Soles Of My Feet" makes the incision with sharp trumpeting, before mythical lands inspired vocals and keys that gleam like the eyes of a goddess plan the route. "Lament Of An Unborn Child" sees deeply affecting strings, stately strings and travelling keys hook up on a wonderfully innocent number. Mind-blowing!
Aya – Strange Flower (Naked Music)
Cat No: NMN16. Promo.
Blue Six producer Jay Denes has linked up with Aya to create this touching debut album. Denes spearheaded the original Naked Music invasion of the 90s, but in recent times, most of his releases haven't reached the heights that captivating earlier efforts like "Music & Wine" did. "Slippin'" is a lovestruck number, with defenceless acoustic guitars and agitated percussion. "Sean" uses adorable synths, genteel guitars and compassionate vocals to create a spirit-lifting track. "Lullaby For Stephen" places solemn guitars and magnetic keys under Aya's radiant vocals. "Strange Flower" blooms quite spectacularly in places, but many of the tracks could have done with a little more water and nourishment.
Eddy Meets Yannah – Just Like…(Compost Records)
Cat No: CPT-1881/2. Release Date: 30th May 2005.
The next stop for the Compost broken-beat express train was Zagreb. Here they picked up Eddy, of Eddy and Dus fame, and vocalist Yannah, and the product of their labour is a bright and breezy album of sophisticated fracturedly beaten tracks. Eddy & Yannah's cover of "Can't Hide Love" is the winning cut, courtesy of its uncoiling bass, hyperactive keys, dancing guitars and vocals that toy with the listener's emotions. "Perfect Day 4 Playin' Football" is an energetic kick around in the local park, with sturdy beats as goalposts, as smile-inducing keys and a bass commanding respect fight for the ball. "Return To Paklenica" sends billowing synths, flashing keys and deft flute asides on their way. This is a jovial album that was surely made with the summer in mind.
Marco Passarani – Sullen Look (Peacefrog)
Cat No: PFG053. Available Now.
"Sullen Look" is slightly misleading to be honest, as the album is more likely to make you happy than sad. The authoritative Techno, cool as you like House and insistent broken beat laced cuts should put a smile on the listener's face and there's only a few moments when it all gets a bit computer game soundtrack like, which could produce a frown. The 'Twisted 'Messdown' Mix' of "Twisted Romance" places animated synths and pushy chords over a slurping bass and hardwearing beats. "Clair" personifies beauty, courtesy of needy keys, colourful synths and a gorgeous keyed bass. "Claiming My Tears Back" is a distressed synthed-up number, where an aggrieved bass and strings struggling with emotions decide the time has come to be strong. House and Techno to get the pulses racing…
Hiltmeyer Inc. – Sendling 70 (Gomma)
US Release Date: 13th May 2005.
"Sendling 70", so named after Hilt's place of residence, is a charming little longplayer that marries electronic subtleties with grooves that go on for miles. Occasionally it all gets a little too intricate and you could be forgiven for nodding off, but for the most part, "Sendling 70" is pretty damn pleasing on the ears. "Pornhaus" exposes inhibition-less keys and de-robed synths in a respectable manner. "70er Jack" places cool guitar licks and stylish synths over knock at the door type percussion. "Synthipopü" is star-gazing number, with telephone keys, Dr. Who ghostly synths and a scowling bass guitar. Electronic discoid flavoured grooves for those who hold their music in higher regard than their asymmetrical haircut.
Ils – Bohemia (Distinctive Breaks)
Cat No: DISNCD151. Release Date: 9th May 2005.
"Bohemia" can get both a little too quaint and scarily overblown at times, but Ils has created some choice musical dishes on this, his third artist album. Whether you like your breakbeats angry and energy rich, or tapping and well-behaved, Ils has got it covered. "Tiny Tony" is a fed up cut, with wound up beats, incredulous synths and diva type wails. "Ill-Logic" shoves a doped out bass under precise drumming and glassy keys. "Over My Head" keeps its feet firmly on the ground, with the help of deep breath inducing keys, intricate percussive layers and lurve bringing keys. Breaks for one and all…
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
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