From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-10-19 00:25:05
Jon Freer's Reviews 18th October 2005.
Album selection:
V/A Gilles Peterson Presents The BBC Sessions (Ether)
Cloud Adventure (Exceptional)
Apollo Nove Res Inexplicata Volans (Ziriguiboom/Crammed)
V/A Sci.Fi.Hi.Fi Vol 1: Ewan Pearson (Soma)
Mojo Project ReMojo! Project (Lovemonk)
Whip Atheist Lovesongs To God (Resonant)
Lotek Hi-Fi Mixed Blessings (Big Dada)
Boston Rodriguez The President Is Dead, Long Live Boston Rodriguez
(Little League)
Thanks to Gerry Lyseight, Tash & Luke at Exceptional, Jim & Caroline at Soma, Spacey at Rude Movements, Will at In House, Laura at Ninja Tune and Chris & Anton at Trailer Media for these
V/A Gilles Peterson Presents The BBC Sessions (Ether)
Cat No: ETHCD 007. Release Date: 31st October 2005.
Few command the power of Peterson in the world of tastemaking, when it comes to leftfield dance and jazzily toned music. A real highlight of his influential Worldwide radio show is the live session, where artists that Gilles (and others) have championed get the chance to do their own special rendition for broadcast at a later date. This collection of wonderful jazzy, souly and slow numbers, with the occasional improvised track and radical reworking thrown into the melting pot, shows how special these sessions are. Peven Everett's acoustic rendition of "Gabrielle" uses only spiritualistic vocals and painstaking keys, whilst searching guitars and beaming brass joins vocals that lament love from afar on "This Room" from Fat Freddys Drop. "I'm Doin' Fine" captures the force of Amp Fiddler's live performance rather impressively, as heartening synths, game-show type digital beats connect behind hurt vocals. Eccentric keyboards, bounding drums, resplendent brass and adoring
vocals collide on an energetic version of Roisin Murphy's "Sow Into You". People knock Gilles Peterson for the fact that some of his listeners (including DJs) would rather let Mr. P search for 'their' records, instead of hunting for those undiscovered gems, but in any industry, there will always be those who are happy to be told what to consume, and this is hardly the fault of Radio 1's Jazzy man. Certain records only become massive post Peterson play, but Gilles deserves respect for giving exposure to those he believes in and championing a diverse range of soul touched and jazzy flexing music.
Cloud Adventure (Exceptional)
Cat No: exlpcd0506. Available Now.
Cloud has happened upon on a sound that is icily chilling, yet lusciously warming at the same time. Younger brother of Hird, Cloud fits right into that 'Gonkyburg' scene with an album of similarly styled broken-techy pieces of music, which were probably created at a sky level studio, away from the rest of humanity. "Thinking Of You" is a heartening number, with cushioned claps, uplifting vocals and effortlessly groovy synths. "What You Want" pits French filtered Disco House synthoid FX and vox hints against genuine keys and attention seeking chords. "Winter Nights" is a classic Scandinavian techy vocal moment, where Joanna Wahlsten's calming dulcet tones float over warming synths and keys that tingle. All in all, this is a pretty impressive debut from a producer still in his teens.
Apollo Nove Res Inexplicata Volans (Ziriguiboom/Crammed)
Cat No: Zir 21. Available Now.
Apollo Nove's first album is a beguiling mixture of sweet tropical guitars and haunting electronics. In theory, this musical marriage should not work, but somehow it does in a rather stylish manner. "Traz Um Alivio" sees texturous vocals move over coarse electronix, welcoming guitars and sweet keys. "Inexplicata" places laugh inducing strings and reverential organ keys under words sung in various languages. Fragile guitar acousticacy meets its match in the form of an assertive electric guitar on "Fruta Vermelha", where a synthetic sunrise and driven percussion add spice. An intoxicating Brazilian cocktail!
V/A Sci.Fi.Hi.Fi Vol 1: Ewan Pearson (Soma)
Cat No: SOMA CD 044. Available Now.
Using new fangled Ableton Live software, Ewan Pearson, a dynamic producer, remixer and dance music academic has created a hot mix of new and old floor filling tackle. Jutting Electro hitters, melodic accessible groovers and moody House numbers make an appearance on this fine comp. Serge Santiago's refix of Husky Rescue's "Summertime Cowboy" places keys with shocked faces and flamboyant synths under those almost Sophie Ellis-Bextor type flirty vocals. Different Gear's "Pop Idle (Instrumental)" takes its strength from a rude bassline and firing synths. "Broken Dream" from Da Fresh wonders what could have been, as incredulous synths and clap slap percussion meet under vocals prevented from forming proper words. Elec-Tech-House fun for all!
Mojo Project ReMojo! Project (Lovemonk)
Cat No: LMNKV08CD. Available Now.
This Spanish outfit get their Mojo reinvigorated courtesy of a whole host of remixes. Most of these revisions have been knocking around on 12" for a while, and thus many will be more than a little familiar to House and Broke Beat and Neo Soul devotees. Blink and you'll miss SUMO's 'Sweet Bossa Bounce' reprise of "Free", where full of energy keys, pushing chords and prancing strings meet. "The Butterfly", as touched up by Break Reform is a sombre look at the fluttering creature, with emotional strings, all cried out keys and clomping beats. Hard hitting beats and sliced vocals struggle to keep up with lively guitars on the Greenskeepers Dub of "In My Life". These touch-ups gave the Mojo Project's productions that necessary extra push.
Whip Atheist Lovesongs To God (Resonant)
Cat No: RESCD15. Available Now.
Introspective guitar work and brutally heartfelt vocals form the basis of this short album project from Brooklyn based Jason Merritt. Half-inching words from others and interweaving them alongside his own thoughts, "Atheist Lovesongs To God" is a really thought-provoking LP. "One For Fire" hints at pyromania, as heated vocals move over exposed guitars. "Perfect Dive" gracefully enters the water, backed by guitar jangles, percussive rustles and a special harmonica. "While" is an ode to forgetting, where glassy keys and eerie strings provide accompaniment. We may never know if the man up there appreciates these songs, but Whip should find many fans of this album down here on earth!
Lotek Hi-Fi Mixed Blessings (Big Dada)
Cat No: BD 082. Available Now.
Wayne 'Lotek' Bennett and associated friends serve up an album of distinctly British Reggae leaning-Hop. With gravely rapping from Mr. Bennett and a range of vocal styles from other players, this is a distinctive album from Lotek Hi-Fi, where some tracks really impress. Lilting brass glide over a controlling bassline on "Blessings". "What You See" commands the listener not to take situations at face value, as worrying keys and matter-of-fact beats provide the backing. "Who's Laughing?" charts changes in fortunes, with chuckling from high-spirited females and ostentatious string work. Dada's done it again!
Boston Rodriguez The President Is Dead, Long Live Boston Rodriguez
(Little League). Release Date: 31st October 2005.
Party hop and groovin' fun breaks is the order of the day on this album from Boston Rodriguez. There are some pretty cringeworthy moments on this LP, but musical treats do await those able to stomach the fun poking. "Live At the Fillet of Soul '77" is a full of life cut, with high-spirited guitars, jazz keys and double bass that runs the show. "Transitional" pleads for help over a gorgeous instrumental backing, fronted by some beautiful synths. "Looking Forward To NYE 3000 Already" is a fast and furiously percussed number, with bright keys and brass craziness. Eccentric, to say the very least.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
*Freelance journalist.
Publications include -
Keep On Magazine
Blues & Soul Magazine
City Life Magazine
Blowback Magazine
Rant Magazine
cratertech.com
pitchadjust.com
manchesterunderground.com
beyondjazz.net
mundovibes.net
deephousenetwork.com
skansen.no
radiozerogravity.net
_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!