Sub Rosa commissioned a DJ who knows the meaning of “de-territorialization” and “pan-humanism” to remix tracks from its catalog of the sort of noisicians who often bandy such terms about. Rhythm Science is Spooky’s usual “illbient” trip through the incense-choked back alleys and warehouses of Babylon, but this time it stars greats like Bill Laswell, Scanner and Claude Debussy. Sub Rosa’s best asset is its spoken-word collection of famed literary outlaws, but Spooky mostly uses them as fodder on top of breaks; the hopeful, but fudged, pairing of Oval with James Joyce is unforgivable. Rhythm is an admirable concept, but set to leave listeners feeling shortchanged.
Jason Sparks Heroes and Villians
Having quickly become one of the standout stars at Botchit, Jason Sparks delivers a heavy-duty breakbeat album that sets him apart from the crowd. While there’s a natural element of dancefloor at the core, don’t expect a traditional nu-skool take on beats and bass; Sparks draws upon an assortment of influences that range from Portishead to Miles Davis, with a little My Bloody Valentine thrown in for good measure. Heroes and Villains creates an easy space to get lost in-Jason entrances with exotic blues and jazz samples while cinematic atmospheres and sci-fi details keep things on the dark side. Very necessary.
Klute Gluesniffer (Hive Rmx)
Hive and Klute touch down on a pair of bits that showcase the label’s diverse sound. Hive turns in a dark and nasty remix of Klute’s “Gluesniffer” before Klute eases up on the flip with the funky “Oshima.” Centered on a funky groove that keeps evolving on through to the end, expect this one to pull at those heartstrings all summer long.
Blame Outer Zone
Celestial atmospheres pave the way to the aptly titled “Outer Zone,” as Blame builds the pressure to the breaking point before the technoid beast at the core comes out punching and kicking. Things keep cracking on the flip, “Hologram,” which starts off with clean, crisp percussion and dizzying atmospheres before things start to slowly unwind and the jazz-tech hook rolls on through with inimitable style.
By Design Tikal
Fans of Klute and Matrix will appreciate the intricate percussion and deep dancefloor vibes that permeate “Tikal” from the L.A.-based By Design crew. Dreamy pads and stuttering breaks keep the energy high before the bottom end gets heavy and the groovy hook takes control. The flip’s “Undercover” lightens the mood a touch with playful beats and funky chords that give way to a warm b-line and wall-rattling bounce. Sure to please.
Various Artists James Lavelle: Romania
Taking time off from his latest U.N.K.L.E. project with partner Richard File, James Lavelle returns to the GU series with a diverse follow-up to 2002’s Barcelona mix project. Taking inspiration from Bucharest this time around, the Mo’ Wax label boss trips through an eclectic landscape of breakbeat, techno and trip-hop atmospheres courtesy of artists like Queens of the Stone Age, Derrick Carter, DJ Shadow, Richie Hawtin and Chemical Brothers. While the programming may frustrate the casual listener-who is doubtlessly expecting something with “progressive” in the title-fans of Lavelle will find themselves right at home.
J-Spool The Wave Machine
Too many electronic imprints view innovation as being of overall importance-not so Nature, Marco Passarani’s consistently impressive label. Nature artists aren’t backward when it comes to pushing forward; instead, they retain an idiosyncratic quality that makes their music not just revolutionary, but rewarding to listen to. The Wave Machine, produced by Londoners James Dean and Mat Cohen, is the perfect example: introspective, late-night licks (usually complimented by vocalist Martha Tilston) accompany more immediate, invigorating grooves, but nothing is over-complicated just for the sake of it.
Dynarec User Input
The latest Delsin release is further proof that Amsterdam is the new Detroit-or, at the very least, a musical mainstay of equal importance. Put simply, User Input, the work of mysterious (I’m guessing Dutch) act Dynarec, is the best non-Drexciya-related electro album to hit the racks for years. A terrific balance is struck between metallic and melodic on these 16 tracks, which are seldom short of brilliant in their execution.
Various Artists Music Is Better Volume One: Manchester vs. Helsinki
The first full-length release on Manchester’s Mate Recordings marks a musical alliance between English and Finnish cities that may appear strange on paper, but makes perfect sense musically-both towns being famous for noncomformist musical innovation, groundbreaking club nights and freezing cold weather. Music Is Better Volume One champions such oddball electro proponents as Boys of Scandinavia, Caution! Horses and Alchohell-artists who favor songwriting over breaks and bleeps. The resulting nouveau disco jams should appeal equally to punk-funkers, purists and fans of the Smiths.
Lali Puna Faking the Books
A beacon in the clich»-ridden indietronic field, Germany’s Lali Puna kicks off its third album with “Faking The Books,” a post-rocking headnodder whisked into the ether by Valerie Trebeljahr’s whispered incantations. Later, “Call 1-800-FEAR” picks up the pace, a live-sounding stomp on which the Germans wear their anxious Britpop influences as if willingly straitjacketed. While guitars figure prominently here, computers are never far out of the reach of producer Mario Thaler. He takes liberties with Trebeljahr’s voice at every turn, sprinkling her chopped utterances over analog squiggles and clipped percussive accents on such bedroom ballads as “Small Things.” Fear not DSP fanatics; your favorite console-fiends have stayed on course.
