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Critiques from our Archives |
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Machine Head
Through The Ashes Of Empires
Dave McClain
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Machine Head achieve an unprecedented level of aggression on their fifth album, which is one of their best. Yet the aggression is offset by melodic sections that rise above the prevailing rage. These contrasting feels are worked into interesting song structures that range from thundering grooves to creative technical lines. There are a lot of details in these songs, which reveal themselves with additional listening. Drummer DAVE McCLAIN is crucial to Machine Head, turning in a creative performance that displays his abilities well. Any fan of heavy music should check this album out. |
Mahmoud Fadl
The Drummers Of The Nile Go South
Mahmoud Fadl
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Percussionist MAHMOUD FADL revisits his Nubian heritage, channeling the thrilling rhythms of the Nile. Here the busy drummer applies his pan-Arabic/pan-African sounds to everything from traditional music to club/dance tracks. In these stripped-down cuts, it?s a treat to hear exposed drums up front, joined by occasional stringed instruments and vocals. Drummers will also appreciate the liner text identifying each rhythm. In Fadl?s magical hands, the intoxicating, sinuous grooves resonate with the majesty and mystery of the history he?s conjuring. And check out how much music can be made from hand claps and spoons! |
Mammoth Volume
A Single Book Of Songs By...
Nicklas Andersson (dr, perc, vcl)
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Without being grandiose about it, Mammoth Volume navigates tricky time signatures while maintaining a rough-edged rock ?n? roll snarl. Call it prog without pretense. Call it stoner rock for the grad-school set. Call it what you like?the stuff kicks. Nicklas Andersson matches MV?s immense guitar riffs with equally huge hi-hat-swaying beats, favoring power over intricacy. He firmly makes his point with streamlined 8ths and 16ths, and always supports the exotic contours in the music. (The Music Cartel) |
Maocir Santos
Ouro Negro-Black Gold
Jurim Moreira
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 10
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A major influence on the rich music of Brazil since the 1940s, Moacir Santos at seventy-eight years old got to ?oversee? these spirited performances of twenty-eight of his finest instrumental compositions. Guitarist Mario Adnet and saxophonist Ze Nogueira co-produced this two-CD set, with an impeccable cast of supporting musicians. Drummer JURIM MOREIRA handles three decades? worth of Santos music with a respect for groove and melody. Check the backwards 12/8 he plays on ?Nana,? the tricky divisions of ?Suk-cha,? the beautiful counterpoint on ?Thing No. 6,? and the loping funk of ?Orpheus.? These songs are parties, parades, ceremonies, coronations, dances?worlds in five-minute slices. |
Mark Levine & The Latin Tinge
Serengeti
Paul Van Wageningen (dr), Michael Spiro, Jose Luis Gomez (perc)
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Drummer Paul Van Wageningen brings a dynamic Bay Area fusion style to the proceedings, combining the Reyes family?s independent vibe and the Escovedo gang?s grounding in the street. McCoy Tyner?s "Effendi" is a polyrhythmic playground for this group, and Van Wageningen?s ride cymbal bell tells a story all its own. Michael Spiro and Van Wageningen carve an unforgettable percussion line into the Stanley Turrentine classic "Sugar." Spiro, quite the craftsman himself, lays into some monstrous conga licks on Levine?s "Serengeti," and takes it to timbales with the same vim and vision on Joe Henderson?s "A Shade Of Jade." (mark@marklevine.com) |
Matthew Von Doran
In This Present Moment
Peter Erskine, Terri Lyne Carrington, Gary Novak, and Marcus Baylor
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 10
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Guitarist Matthew Von Doran combines outstanding composition, state-of-the-art sound, and a world-class lineup to create one of the finest jazz/blues albums in recent memory. Drummers PETER ERSKINE, TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON, GARY NOVAK, and MARCUS BAYLOR embrace each tune with sensitivity, dynamics, musicality, and incredible-sounding instruments. There is much to learn from this recording about the beauty and art of acoustic drumming. What you get is a collection of true masters of their respective crafts, performing at the top of their game. (www.matthewvondoran.com) |
Maya Soleil
Dance of the New Sun
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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Zambian singer and dancer Moye Kashimbi has performed worldwide, and this recording finds her in the very capable company of Seattle-based musicians who work under the name of Maya Soleil. Drummer/producer T.J. MORRIS drives the septet from behind his hybrid "world drum kit" (full drumset plus congas, djembe, and gourd), which proves to be an ideal motor for this energetic Afro-fusion band. (Paradise Road Music) |
Medeski, Martin And Wood
Uninvisible
Billy Martin
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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MMW know how to throw a party--and they invite all the hippest guests. Featuring appearances by artists as diverse as Col. Bruce Hampton, Eddie Bobe, DJ Olive, and the Antibalas horns, Uninvisible is one of the organ trio's funkiest LPs yet. Though the spirit of improvisation continues to drive the group?s performances and inspire its compositions, MMW's jazz roots are now overgrown with a super-funky, psychedelic moss. Virtually every move BILLY MARTIN makes is intended to get you to shake that thang, so fills and drum breaks are stripped away until all that remains is the essence of groove. |
Megadeth
The System Has Failed
Vinnie Colaiuta
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 4
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Ably backing artists as diverse as Mike Stern and Faith Hill, VINNIE COLAIUTA clearly compartmentalizes, which partially explains why he?s hired so damn much. Now here he is on Megadeth?s latest. Vinnie doesn?t pull any tricks, as if he?s eager to prove he can pummel authentically without promoting his drumming-superhero persona. That would be perfectly fine if the songs were interesting, but such standard metal/hard rock riffs?including spotty attempts at melodiousness?need more vibrancy behind them to make an impact. Vinnie could certainly get more gigs playing double pedal, but let?s hope future employers request more of that Colaiuta creativity. |
Melvins
Electroretard
Dale Crover
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Electroretard features, well, electronically FUBAR?d versions of old Melvins tunes, plus covers of The Cows, Greg Sage, and Pink Floyd. Dale Crover slams like he?s possessed on the nine-minute marathon "Youth Of America." On the forty-six-second "Gluey Porch Treatments," he makes 5/4 time seem even stranger than it is. And on "Missing," our favorite space explorer reminds us that bass drum notes sound cooler the farther apart they are played, rather than the other way around. (Man?s Ruin) |
Meshell Ndegeocello
Comfort Woman
Chris Dave
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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Meshell has gotten political in the past, but this time the word is love. Comfort Woman is a dreamy meditation on making that connection, and relative newcomer CHRIS DAVE, a pocket player who conjures atmosphere with cymbal flourishes and cross-stick patterns, is the perfect drummer for such deep, ethereal music. Dave brings it down hard on the 3, reggae style, while little fills and embellishments bubble away below the surface. His laid-back but creative funk works perfectly with Ndegocello?s fat basslines and soothing, almost sleepy vocals. He also weaves his rhythms nicely into programmed loops on a few tunes. |
Michael Bettine
Stars Show The Way/Labyrinth
Michael Bettine
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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MICHAEL BETTINE is a percussionist specializing in metal, and these CDs focus on his art through two different solo performances. Labyrinth, subtitled Music For Gongs, consists of nine beautifully hypnotic tracks. The music was composed with his particular gongs in mind, a collection thirty years in the making. From the opening majestic washes of "Ritual?Ascension" to the high-pitched melodies of "Medicine Wheel," the entire sound spectrum is covered. On Stars Show the Way, drums and other percussion also make appearances. The variety of instruments used here is staggering. Whether it?s melodic tom patterns or Asian metal percussion figures, these twenty-five pieces possess an undeniable immediacy and intensity. Both recordings are excellently recorded, with a clear sound that shows off the instruments quite well. Sinking into Bettine?s sound world is fascinating and inspiring. (www.homepage.mac.com/mbettine). |
Michael Brecker Quindectet
Wide Angles
Antonio Sanchez
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Saxophonist Michael Brecker?s latest album contains interesting writing and a great mix of grooves and feels. Throughout, up and coming drummer ANTONIO SANCHEZ propels the music with a translucent yet driving force, adding color and commentary along the way. Sanchez deftly navigates the band arrangements here, setting up and prodding with a noteworthy vocabulary. There are a lot of moods on this album, and Sanchez expertly helps to give each piece its personality, whether melancholy, funky, swinging, or drawing on Latin traditions. Percussionist DANIEL SADOWNICK is an equally important force here. Overall, a creative and inspiring release. |
Michael Landau/Blue Horn
Live 2000/Noise For Neighbors
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Two new releases from the LA jazz/studio/players circle feature the outstanding TOSS PANOS on drums. Guitarist Michael Landau?s Live 2000 was recorded at chops-central, LA?s Baked Potato, and this double CD contains some wonderfully subtle grooves and unobtrusive, ear-catching moments. (www.michael-landau.com) Blue Horn is an organ trio (again featuring Landau), and the result is some great swing blues on Noise For Neighbors. Panos has such a unique pocket, you could listen to him all day and just get lost in his feel. (www.noiseforneighbors.com) |
Michel Camilo
Triangulo
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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HORACIO "EL NEGRO" HERNANDEZ has proven himself many times over as having amazing chops, but it?s his thoughtful musicality that keeps him working. Negro?s licks are secondary to his sensitive accompaniment on this outstanding Latin-jazz trio recording. Unlike in the early heavy-hitting Camilo trios with Dave Weckl and Joel Rosenblatt on drums, Horacio?s integrated use of percussion and drumset flavors the music, as opposed to bringing it to a boil. The final track, "dotcom-bustion" (co-written by Horacio) is an all-inclusive exhibition of Horacio?s percussionist/drummer talents in full swing. |
Michel Camilo
Live At The Blue Note
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 10
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Over the years, Dominican jazz pianist Michel Camilo has worked with great technicians of the drums, from Dave Weckl to Zach Danziger. But on Live At The Blue Note he finally takes on a drummer with roots similar to his own. Through Camilo?s circus-like tunes and organic rhythms, HORACIO "EL NEGRO" HERNANDEZ plays it both Afro-Cuban and fusion, maneuvering through brisk grooves using colorful woodblocks and cowbells and soloing with blazing fusion pummel and whirlwind attack. Too bad there are no pics. |
Mike Gordon
Inside In
Russ Lawton
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Bassist Mike Gordon, Phish?s resident eccentric, has crafted a delightfully odd debut record that casts its spell slowly, as laid-back funk oozes into Martian country music. RUSS LAWTON, with his strong, confident touch, makes a perfect partner for Gordon on the groovers, while GABE JARRETT and Mike?s old pal JON FISHMAN contribute more ethereal beats on a few tracks each. Gordon?s vocals are too cute at times, and his guitar playing is hit-or-miss. But his low-end interaction with his drummers is right on. |
Miles Davis
The Complete In A Silent Way Sessions
Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Chambers
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 9
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This three-CD set takes us from the cool Miles to the electronic experiments that led to the much-heralded Bitches Brew recording and a whole new genre known as fusion. Tony Williams is creatively stunning here. For any drummer unfamiliar with Tony?s work, this release should answer all questions regarding his legendary status. DeJohnette?s brief but explosive performances on "Directions" (Parts I and II) add a rock edge seldom heard in jazz at the time. Joe Chambers brings in the funk on "The Ghetto Walk" to solidify the fact that Miles had stepped outside the arena of traditional jazz for good. This one?s a gem. (Columbia/Legacy) |
Mofro
Blackwater
George Sluppick (dr, perc)
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Drummer George Sluppick never veers from the pocket of his soul/swamp/New Orleans beats, and Fabrice Quentin?s bass leaves holes big enough to drive an 18-wheeler through. Sluppick is a creative and versatile drummer with a great feel. He shows off a mastery of New Orleans rhythms when he eases second-line and Meters-style stuff into their Florida swamp sound. (www.fogcityrecords.com) |
Mojo
Tapestry
Kofi Baker
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Just like famous father Ginger did for his legendary band Cream, KOFI BAKER creates a complex rhythmic framework for a highly expressive and musically ambitious trio. On this dynamic seven-track instrumental jazz-rock CD, which features Australian guitar hero Brett Garsed and bassist Ricc Fierabracci (Shakira, Yanni), Baker pounces with the power of a hairy-knuckled brute and flutters about like a furious butterfly. Because Baker?s potent double-kick attacks and subtle polyrhythmic complexity often seem far too precise to be unrehearsed, it?s surprising to find that these tunes were recorded live in the studio with minimal preproduction work. It shows what a great listener and instinctual player Baker is. (www.paranormalrecords.com). |
Mondo Generator
A Drug Problem That Never Existed
Brant Bjork
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Fronted by Queens Of The Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri, A Drug Problem That Never Existed sounds like what you?d probably expect?a collection of cuts that weren?t quite good enough for Queens? 2002 hit album Songs For The Deaf. Still, there are plenty of gems here. Drummer BRANT BJORK (with additional slamming by JOSH FREESE) is left with the sizable task of sorting everything out. Fortunately, versatility is one of Bjork?s strong suits, as the smooth ride glide of "Jr. High Love" and the double-timed "Like You Want" attest. It?s a must-have for any existing Queens fan, or for anyone who simply appreciates heavy rock. |
Mongo Santamaria
Montreux Heat!
Steve Berrios
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Featuring unreleased material from a 1980 Montreux set, Heat invites us to reminisce and once again enjoy the gifts of the late, great Mongo, who left us in February. One of the most influential percussionists of Latin jazz, and an architect of "Latin soul," Mongo lays down a commanding groove with a big, round conga sound, vaulting his brawny two-trumpet, two-sax octet through a fiery set. Included are trademark favorites such as "Para Ti" and "Watermelon Man." Ace drummer STEVE BERRIOS provides ideal support to the conguero, lending a hip, modern edge to the groove. Mongo will be missed. |
Mot?rhead
Inferno
Mikkey Dee
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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It?s been more than a quarter century since the trio?s debut album, but Mot?rhead have maintained their metallic punk rock style with the utmost of care, as Inferno finds the act performing with the same vitality and enthusiasm as they did on their earliest efforts. The no-nonsense efforts of MIKKEY DEE are well documented on Inferno?s dozen tracks, particularly in the sprightly double-kicked intro of ?In The Name Of Tragedy? and bombastic tom patterns of ?In The Black.? There isn?t an immense variety of material presented here. Instead, it?s Dee?s unmatched consistency and approach that fuels the flames of this Inferno. |
Moth
Provisions, Fiction, and Gear
Josh Freese
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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JOSH FREESE?s greatness is evident right from the get-go on Moth?s debut. A groove as deep as the Pacific, unusual and blistering chops, and an impossibly surging drive signify most dates Josh books. This kinda indie-pop, kinda emo, and absolutely rocking album is no exception. If you need some landmarks, think Weezer, Jason Faukner?even The Replacements, in its A-level literacy. (The ?Mats Tommy Stinson plays bass.) Rocket From The Crypt?s Atom Willard has since taken over Josh?s roll, and I expect some feedback on how Atom handles this stuff live. ?Cause it?s a mutha of a sound. |
MTV2 Headbangers Ball
MTV2 Headbangers Ball
Various
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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This two-disc set was intended to promote the MTV2 Headbangers Ball Tour, which featured Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God, and Shadows Fall. Those ferocious, tinnitus-inducing groups, plus thirty-seven other heavy-hitters, are featured here?and the drumming is usually monstrous.
Disc 1 heats up quickly with MATT BYRNE?s belligerent skin bashing on Hatebreed?s "This is Now." Later, the crisp, brawny chops of MORGAN ROSE come alive on Sevendust?s "Separate." And don?t miss the industrial-tinged chaos of Static-X?s NICK OSHIRO and the whirlwind dynamics of Shadows Fall?s JASON BITTNER. Bittner recently spoke to MD about the album: "This set proves that heavy metal, hard music, or whatever you want to call it, is still alive and well. Hopefully people will realize that our genre works just as hard at the drumming craft as any other."
Disc 2 delves deep into the metal underground. On "Ruin," Lamb Of God?s CHRIS ADLER whips up a staccato tsunami. The level of his playing is striking, especially when you consider this Adler statement: "I started playing drums when the band formed. I?ve come a long way. The important thing for me as a musician is to push myself and to improve upon my skills."
On "We Will Rise," Arch Enemy?s DANIEL ERLANDSSON garnishes a gargantuan yet colorful onslaught. Absolute sonic mayhem continues via Cradle Of Filth?s ADRIAN ERLANDSSON, Sworn Enemy?s PAULIE ANTIGNANI, Strapping Young Lad?s GENE HOGLAN, Meshuggah?s TOMAS HAAKE, and Eighteen Visions? KEN FLOYD. "Most drummers on this set are very metal-influenced, whereas I?m a bit more rock-influenced," Floyd tells us. "I look to everyone from Dave Grohl to Joe Morello of The Dave Brubeck Quartet for inspiration." Meanwhile, CRISTIANO MOZZATI pours rhythmic champagne into Lacuna Coil?s angelic goth-metal.
MTV2 Headbangers Ball is a marvelous array of first-rate headbangers. Check it out. |
Murderdolls
Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls
Ben Graves
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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In the nine-member Slipknot, drummer Joey Jordison, singer Corey Taylor, and guitarist James Root pack quite a wallop. These side projects, however, aren?t as effective. In Murderdolls, Jordison steps out from behind his drums (and mask) to share guitar and backup vocals with Static-X?s Tripp Eisen. Tackling the skins is BEN GRAVES, whose raucous attack isn?t as dazzling as Jordison?s approach. It does complement "197666," "Kill Miss America," and other cheesy yet hummable tunes. Still, Murderdolls are less vibrant than their glam-metal/cock-rock/punk influences. |
MXPX
Before Everything And After
Yuri Ruley
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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Washington pop-punks MXPX have had plenty of time to cut their teeth, releasing their debut while still in their mid-teens. Now polished twenty-something vets with their third A&M-released full-length, Before Everything And After, the act (and specifically drummer YURI RULEY) seem to have expunged any blemishes of yore. Ruley?s fully in command now, whether it?s the swingy pop of "Well Adjusted," the Beatle-esque walk of "Quit Your Life," or his signature double-timed hustle of "The Capitol." Ruley?s experience pays off as well; he?s developed a consistent and calculated playing style that makes for strong and complete performance here. |
Mylab
Mylab
Tucker Martine
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 4
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Lord only knows who?s playing what on Mylab, a recording project hosted by keyboardist Wayne Horvitz and drummer TUCKER MARTINE. Instruments are layered, edited, and manipulated with effects, so it?s often tough to distinguish between Martine and drumming guests BOBBY PREVITE and ANDY ROTH. But no matter; Mylab isn?t concerned with individual achievement. As dynamics shift slowly to bring on a trance, each track mixes electronics with organic sounds like banjo, brushed snare, and cymbal bell. There?s not much structural movement, but Mylab is just the thing to put on as the sun rises after a long night of techno. (www.terminusrecords.com) |
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