Zarko & Bulldog's Trans-Hemispheric Review of the 2000's

Bulldog · 10-28-2009, 07:35 AM

Continuing along the electronic tangent for a bit...

Overseer - Wreckage (2003)

genre: breakbeat, progressive house, hip-hop, trip-hop
1. Slayed
2. Stompbox
3. Supermoves
4. Velocity Shift
5. Horndog
6. Meteorology
7. Aquaplane
8. Doomsday
9. Basstrap
10. Sparks
11. Never

Rob Overseer, aka Overseer, is a Yorkshire-dwelling DJ/producer and is one of the more obscure names among his contemporaries in big beat music. Although he's contributed to the soundtracks of Animatrix, Snatch and Gran Turismo 3, this album (so far his only full-length effort) was a critical and commercial disaster upon release, being delayed as it was by six months due to a few problems with the management. As a result, the album was pretty much not promoted at all and just cast off by the powers that be as dated big beat. Needless to say, what with its being flagged up here and all, it's just one more example of the press being full of crap when it comes to musical criticism, the big flaw in their argument being that, while it certainly in here to be seen, Wreckage simply isn't just one, rusty, dated big beat package.

In actual fact, it's among the most eclectic electronic albums of the last ten years and, consequently, one that massively rewards repeated listenings. If there's a common ground beneath it all, it's the interesting use of hard-rocking riffs and solid, synthetic beats as on the fantastic opener, Slayed, one of many tracks to feature Zak Speakerfreak rapping about declaring 'war on stupidity' and 'the fakers, the piss-takers and the sucker money-makers'. Top follow it up, Stompbox makes use of the same vocalist but this time takes on a much more furious pace and featuring some terrific breaks from Rob Overseer himself, serving up another album highlight. Supermoves, which a few of may remember from the Snatch soundtrack, keeps the buzzing, hyperactive breakbeat tempo going, featuring the same kinds of breaks as Stompbox before and Velocity Shift after it, as the album serves up yet another tune that refuses to let you sit down. To put the lid on the faster section of the album, Horndog is another great tune which utilises the combination of big beats and guitar riffs wonderfully. It was also the spectacular flop of the single release from the album as well.

From there, we move on to the more obviously IDM, even a little trip-hoppy part of the tracklisting, starting with the down-tempo Meteorology, which not only features the soothing vocals of one Sandra Pehrsson but also a silky string arrangement to compliment the laid-back vibe about the whole thing. Another absolutely superb tune then, and one that doesn't sound a whole lot unlike something the Thievery Corporation would write. The same can be said of the following Aquaplane which is another definite highlight, being a maze of dubby bass, sound affects and reverbs, simple piano lines and labyrinthine vocal treatments. An absolute favourite this one.

After that mid-section down-tempo/dub foray, we get right back into familiar territory again with the metallic riff used in Doomsday preceding another catchy-as-hell synthetic rhythm and some superb rapping from MC Nick Life. Basstrap lacks the guitars but serves more or less the same purpose as the track before, being of the same kind of tempo though slightly more synth and bass-heavy (as the title may or may not suggest). Some more top-drawer rapping as well.

So far the slower, trip-hop-reminiscent moments on the album have all provided highlights, and that's exactly what can be said of Sparks, featuring the vocal talents of singer-songwriter Rachel Gray. Never sees the album end on a more sinister note, making use of live as well as synthesized strings and the gritty vocal of Jakk Frost and the honey-like sweetnes of Sandra Pehrsson's. It's a great track to just roll most of the elements of a fairly diverse album into one, seven minute-long track.

And therein lies the strength of Wreckage that a lot of the press failed to pick up at the time of release, or at least one of them, and that's the eclectic mixture of big beats, metallic riffs, hip-hop vocals, down-tempo and even ambient and dub in places over the length of eleven great tracks. There's also the sheer talent of one Rob Overseer in his ability to bring all those styles together in one, seamless package - one that can go from thought-provoking to sinister, to fun, to chilled-out, to stoned and so on. One of the finest albums of the decade without a doubt.

All in all;

jackhammer · 10-28-2009, 03:29 PM

It was you who got me into the Overseer album and it is still on my MP3 player months after I got the link as it is perfect for that. I don't think the album wins a huge amount of points on originality and it reminds me of The Prodigy a hell of a lot but for big bouncy tunes with a smattering of guitars then it's stellar.

Zarko

Supermodified was my entry into the world of Amon Tobin and I still probably find it his most satisfying release. I think it's a great entry album to a slightly more harsher and abstract Electronic sound and it lead to me onto the likes of Otto Van Schirad and Venetian Snares.

Zarko · 10-28-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

It was you who got me into the Overseer album and it is still on my MP3 player months after I got the link as it is perfect for that. I don't think the album wins a huge amount of points on originality and it reminds me of The Prodigy a hell of a lot but for big bouncy tunes with a smattering of guitars then it's stellar.

Zarko

Supermodified was my entry into the world of Amon Tobin and I still probably find it his most satisfying release. I think it's a great entry album to a slightly more harsher and abstract Electronic sound and it lead to me onto the likes of Otto Van Schirad and Venetian Snares.

Yeah, looking back on it its probably a bit harsher than I made out, for those who don't listen to that sort of electronic anyway. But as you say, its probably the most satisfying to sit through. Its probably not my favourite Tobin album, which is a testament to the album really. Similarly, it lead me to the likes of Stendeck, Truart and Macelleria Mobile di Mezzanotte.

Bulldog · 10-29-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

It was you who got me into the Overseer album and it is still on my MP3 player months after I got the link as it is perfect for that. I don't think the album wins a huge amount of points on originality and it reminds me of The Prodigy a hell of a lot but for big bouncy tunes with a smattering of guitars then it's stellar.

You're right it's not exactly very original (I can hear some Crystal Method in there as well), and its most obvious strength is in the faster mixes of guitar riffery and big beats, but I just love its incorporation of the diverse enough range of mood and influence to make it stand up as a truly great album. I wasn't so interested in the slower tracks at first, but they soon grow on you. Either way, it's a shame Overseer is still yet to release his followup, which should definitely be worth the time judging by this effort - he's in the middle of finding a label to release it, and apparently the search isn't going very well for it.

And Zarko, great Amon Tobin review. He's another one who, oddly enough, has passed me by all these years. I've got Supermodified now though, and I'll give it a good listen when I get back from uni a bit later.

Zarko · 11-09-2009, 11:48 PM

An increase in work hours and an increase in annoyingly hot weather (I was expecting 40 degree weather in February, not November) has sort of killed the thread. Either way, no time like the present to get it going again.

Terakaft – Akh Issudar (2008)

Terakaft was founded by two members of Tinariwen a few years back, carrying over the world-desert blues style that was present through Tinariwen’s near 30 year career. The bands basis is one of rebellion and politics, which has gained them a following through West Africa. The album cover does a fairly good job of expressing this; I doubt it was only me who saw the typical ‘desert rebel’, substituting a guitar for a gun. Terakaft consists of four members, Kedou ag Ossad, Liya Ag Ablil, Sanou Ag Ahmed all contributing on guitar and vocals, and Rhissa Ag Ogham on bass.

So what exactly is desert blues? Well, if we are looking at it from a Terakaft foundation, it pretty much sounds like standard blues; however the band often adds a psychedelic tinge. The minimalist aspect of the music is where the ‘desert’ description comes into play. Sparse and empty land is reflected in the often solo guitar moments (Often reverberating into nothingness), with subtle percussion occasionally. The vocals are in the West African Tamashek language, so there is a fair chance you have no idea what they are singing about, but it adds a distinct variation to a general blues band, and they aren’t too bad overall. The songs are covered in a shroud of respect, not harsh or aggressive, though this doesn’t prevent them from being explorative.

Tenere Wer Tat Zinchegh

How does the album work altogether? Considering it is the first Terakaft/Tinariwen album I have listened to, it is surprisingly accessible. It flows well, and some of the guitars are a treat against what becomes a harsh background of emptiness. It’s interesting that a ‘clean’ and minimal background can often have differing effects on the music at hand. Here, the guitar sound is affected adversely to what would be expected, becoming almost dirty at times.

As I mentioned, there is often a psychedelic element that enters the songs at times. There aren’t too many guitar effects, only the occasional wah-wah. There is a minimal amount of percussion, but when it’s used, it is normally to good stead. During Intidgagen, a fuzz-rattle presents itself occasionally, and the deep far off drumming in Soubhanallah is great, a rolling thunder through a quiet desert if you will.

Intidgagen

The album also adopts quite a variety of styles, whilst the groundwork doesn’t change (Being desert blues); it occasionally espouses a more American blues take, or even an Irish ballad. All the while, the band never loses their hypnotic approach. Even during some of the louder songs, the welcoming and warm feeling extended by the songs can lull the listener into a lazy haze. Though, that could just be the incredibly hot weather round these ways.

The description of the bands music was enough to suck me into their world, but when I stumbled into it, I had no idea what I was getting into. What I found was songs that exuded passion and warmth, and tracks that weren’t weighed down by any overly political basis or anger. The instrumental performances match up to the musician’s ardour, which always helps make a good album. Most importantly though, is that when you expect to hear something similar later in the album, the performers come up with something new to excite an astute listener. The guitar work never becomes predictable and the group is willing to try out different styles to see what works best.

Arghane Manine

I wasn’t expecting too much when I downloaded this album. However, it is fair to say that I was blown away by how entertaining I found it. Sometimes you just want an entertaining and simple album to listen to. Other times, something more experimental will only quench your thirst. With Akh Issudar, both facets are present in a great final product.

Entertaining, Worth a Download

Bulldog · 11-10-2009, 06:35 AM

Never had you down as desert blues fan

I love me some of the stuff, so I've definitely gotta track that album down, especially as I've been a Tinariwen fan for a good few years now. If it's that kinda stuff you're into, you should check out a band called Etran Finatawa if you haven't already, not to mention a Tinariwen album or two - both bands have a very similar kinda barrage of guitars sound about them. There's subtler stuff like Ali Farka Toure's work which is worth a go as well.

I should be pretty busy today, so I might get my next review up tomorrow, if not over the weekend.

Zarko · 11-10-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Never had you down as desert blues fan

I love me some of the stuff, so I've definitely gotta track that album down, especially as I've been a Tinariwen fan for a good few years now. If it's that kinda stuff you're into, you should check out a band called Etran Finatawa if you haven't already, not to mention a Tinariwen album or two - both bands have a very similar kinda barrage of guitars sound about them. There's subtler stuff like Ali Farka Toure's work which is worth a go as well.

I should be pretty busy today, so I might get my next review up tomorrow, if not over the weekend.

Don't think I could really be described as a fan. Sure I like it when I find it, but more often than not I rarely look for it.

Good luck finding that sort of stuff in your local pre: 2000s though

Schizotypic · 11-15-2009, 02:33 PM

Good job so far guys, this thread is looking great! Really enjoying all the different artists and the blurb on Dark Jazz was pretty interesting. This is pretty much the decade I grew-up in and am excited to hear what else you two have to say about it- so keep it up.=)

Bulldog · 11-16-2009, 08:54 AM

Thanks buddy, glad you're digging it

You got any of this stuff yourself at all, or is it pretty new stuff to you?

By the way I'll be preparing a non-review or genre-related post in the near future. Depends how long it is 'til I get bored of sitting around pretending to work.

Schizotypic · 11-16-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Thanks buddy, glad you're digging it

You got any of this stuff yourself at all, or is it pretty new stuff to you?

By the way I'll be preparing a non-review or genre-related post in the near future. Depends how long it is 'til I get bored of sitting around pretending to work.

I hadn't heard of Teracraft, or of the last three bands in the darkjazz blurb. I've listened to Amorphous Andogenous on youtube every once and a while and have The Kilimajaro Darkjazz Ensemble on my music player. I've actually been meaning to get Bohren & Der Club Of Gore for some time, maybe I'll get on that. =)

10-28-2009, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	It was you who got me into the Overseer album and it is still on my MP3 player months after I got the link as it is perfect for that. I don't think the album wins a huge amount of points on originality and it reminds me of The Prodigy a hell of a lot but for big bouncy tunes with a smattering of guitars then it's stellar. Zarko Supermodified was my entry into the world of Amon Tobin and I still probably find it his most satisfying release. I think it's a great entry album to a slightly more harsher and abstract Electronic sound and it lead to me onto the likes of Otto Van Schirad and Venetian Snares. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

10-28-2009, 07:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Continuing along the electronic tangent for a bit... Overseer - Wreckage (2003) genre: breakbeat, progressive house, hip-hop, trip-hop 1. Slayed 2. Stompbox 3. Supermoves 4. Velocity Shift 5. Horndog 6. Meteorology 7. Aquaplane 8. Doomsday 9. Basstrap 10. Sparks 11. Never Rob Overseer, aka Overseer, is a Yorkshire-dwelling DJ/producer and is one of the more obscure names among his contemporaries in big beat music. Although he's contributed to the soundtracks of Animatrix, Snatch and Gran Turismo 3, this album (so far his only full-length effort) was a critical and commercial disaster upon release, being delayed as it was by six months due to a few problems with the management. As a result, the album was pretty much not promoted at all and just cast off by the powers that be as dated big beat. Needless to say, what with its being flagged up here and all, it's just one more example of the press being full of crap when it comes to musical criticism, the big flaw in their argument being that, while it certainly in here to be seen, Wreckage simply isn't just one, rusty, dated big beat package. In actual fact, it's among the most eclectic electronic albums of the last ten years and, consequently, one that massively rewards repeated listenings. If there's a common ground beneath it all, it's the interesting use of hard-rocking riffs and solid, synthetic beats as on the fantastic opener, *Slayed, one of many tracks to feature Zak Speakerfreak rapping about declaring 'war on stupidity'* and 'the fakers, the piss-takers and the sucker money-makers'. Top follow it up, *Stompbox* makes use of the same vocalist but this time takes on a much more furious pace and featuring some terrific breaks from Rob Overseer himself, serving up another album highlight. *Supermoves, which a few of may remember from the Snatch* soundtrack, keeps the buzzing, hyperactive breakbeat tempo going, featuring the same kinds of breaks as Stompbox before and Velocity Shift after it, as the album serves up yet another tune that refuses to let you sit down. To put the lid on the faster section of the album, *Horndog* is another great tune which utilises the combination of big beats and guitar riffs wonderfully. It was also the spectacular flop of the single release from the album as well. From there, we move on to the more obviously IDM, even a little trip-hoppy part of the tracklisting, starting with the down-tempo Meteorology, which not only features the soothing vocals of one Sandra Pehrsson but also a silky string arrangement to compliment the laid-back vibe about the whole thing. Another absolutely superb tune then, and one that doesn't sound a whole lot unlike something the Thievery Corporation would write. The same can be said of the following Aquaplane which is another definite highlight, being a maze of dubby bass, sound affects and reverbs, simple piano lines and labyrinthine vocal treatments. An absolute favourite this one. After that mid-section down-tempo/dub foray, we get right back into familiar territory again with the metallic riff used in *Doomsday* preceding another catchy-as-hell synthetic rhythm and some superb rapping from MC Nick Life. *Basstrap* lacks the guitars but serves more or less the same purpose as the track before, being of the same kind of tempo though slightly more synth and bass-heavy (as the title may or may not suggest). Some more top-drawer rapping as well. So far the slower, trip-hop-reminiscent moments on the album have all provided highlights, and that's exactly what can be said of *Sparks, featuring the vocal talents of singer-songwriter Rachel Gray. Never* sees the album end on a more sinister note, making use of live as well as synthesized strings and the gritty vocal of Jakk Frost and the honey-like sweetnes of Sandra Pehrsson's. It's a great track to just roll most of the elements of a fairly diverse album into one, seven minute-long track. And therein lies the strength of Wreckage that a lot of the press failed to pick up at the time of release, or at least one of them, and that's the eclectic mixture of big beats, metallic riffs, hip-hop vocals, down-tempo and even ambient and dub in places over the length of eleven great tracks. There's also the sheer talent of one Rob Overseer in his ability to bring all those styles together in one, seamless package - one that can go from thought-provoking to sinister, to fun, to chilled-out, to stoned and so on. One of the finest albums of the decade without a doubt. All in all;

11-09-2009, 11:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	An increase in work hours and an increase in annoyingly hot weather (I was expecting 40 degree weather in February, not November) has sort of killed the thread. Either way, no time like the present to get it going again. *Terakaft – Akh Issudar* (2008) Terakaft was founded by two members of Tinariwen a few years back, carrying over the world-desert blues style that was present through Tinariwen’s near 30 year career. The bands basis is one of rebellion and politics, which has gained them a following through West Africa. The album cover does a fairly good job of expressing this; I doubt it was only me who saw the typical ‘desert rebel’, substituting a guitar for a gun. Terakaft consists of four members, Kedou ag Ossad, Liya Ag Ablil, Sanou Ag Ahmed all contributing on guitar and vocals, and Rhissa Ag Ogham on bass. So what exactly is desert blues? Well, if we are looking at it from a Terakaft foundation, it pretty much sounds like standard blues; however the band often adds a psychedelic tinge. The minimalist aspect of the music is where the ‘desert’ description comes into play. Sparse and empty land is reflected in the often solo guitar moments (Often reverberating into nothingness), with subtle percussion occasionally. The vocals are in the West African Tamashek language, so there is a fair chance you have no idea what they are singing about, but it adds a distinct variation to a general blues band, and they aren’t too bad overall. The songs are covered in a shroud of respect, not harsh or aggressive, though this doesn’t prevent them from being explorative. Tenere Wer Tat Zinchegh How does the album work altogether? Considering it is the first Terakaft/Tinariwen album I have listened to, it is surprisingly accessible. It flows well, and some of the guitars are a treat against what becomes a harsh background of emptiness. It’s interesting that a ‘clean’ and minimal background can often have differing effects on the music at hand. Here, the guitar sound is affected adversely to what would be expected, becoming almost dirty at times. As I mentioned, there is often a psychedelic element that enters the songs at times. There aren’t too many guitar effects, only the occasional wah-wah. There is a minimal amount of percussion, but when it’s used, it is normally to good stead. During Intidgagen, a fuzz-rattle presents itself occasionally, and the deep far off drumming in Soubhanallah is great, a rolling thunder through a quiet desert if you will. Intidgagen The album also adopts quite a variety of styles, whilst the groundwork doesn’t change (Being desert blues); it occasionally espouses a more American blues take, or even an Irish ballad. All the while, the band never loses their hypnotic approach. Even during some of the louder songs, the welcoming and warm feeling extended by the songs can lull the listener into a lazy haze. Though, that could just be the incredibly hot weather round these ways. The description of the bands music was enough to suck me into their world, but when I stumbled into it, I had no idea what I was getting into. What I found was songs that exuded passion and warmth, and tracks that weren’t weighed down by any overly political basis or anger. The instrumental performances match up to the musician’s ardour, which always helps make a good album. Most importantly though, is that when you expect to hear something similar later in the album, the performers come up with something new to excite an astute listener. The guitar work never becomes predictable and the group is willing to try out different styles to see what works best. Arghane Manine** I wasn’t expecting too much when I downloaded this album. However, it is fair to say that I was blown away by how entertaining I found it. Sometimes you just want an entertaining and simple album to listen to. Other times, something more experimental will only quench your thirst. With Akh Issudar, both facets are present in a great final product. Entertaining, Worth a Download

11-10-2009, 06:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Never had you down as desert blues fan I love me some of the stuff, so I've definitely gotta track that album down, especially as I've been a Tinariwen fan for a good few years now. If it's that kinda stuff you're into, you should check out a band called Etran Finatawa if you haven't already, not to mention a Tinariwen album or two - both bands have a very similar kinda barrage of guitars sound about them. There's subtler stuff like Ali Farka Toure's work which is worth a go as well. I should be pretty busy today, so I might get my next review up tomorrow, if not over the weekend.

11-15-2009, 02:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	Good job so far guys, this thread is looking great! Really enjoying all the different artists and the blurb on Dark Jazz was pretty interesting. This is pretty much the decade I grew-up in and am excited to hear what else you two have to say about it- so keep it up.=)

11-16-2009, 08:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Thanks buddy, glad you're digging it You got any of this stuff yourself at all, or is it pretty new stuff to you? By the way I'll be preparing a non-review or genre-related post in the near future. Depends how long it is 'til I get bored of sitting around pretending to work.