| · Where digital meets analogue, acoustic meets computer. Let’s just say I’ve never met a fat synth-line I didn’t like.
The gents at München’s Compost Records have solidified their place as international purveyors of quality European electronic music and nujazz. Beanfield have been on the label roster for a while now and after two releases the duo of Jan Krause and Michael Mettke have mastered the balance between eclecticism and European style.
Between their rare groove sensibilities and funky jazz arrangements, Beanfield continues what they started on their brilliant 2000 release Human Patterns. The silky-smooth vocals of Ernesto and husky tones of Bajka are back with soulful offerings that mingle digital sounds with warm analogue instrumentation.
Where Seek is eclectic, it’s also unified with Krause and Mettke working as DJs and musicians. Except for an appearance by flautist Wolfgang Schlick on the mesmeric "Mr. Park" (who can’t tap their foot in 7/8?) the duo plays all the instruments on the album. And since much of the work on the album was recorded live there’s a certain sincerity to the sound. The west London breakbeat tradition is still in full force, which isn’t surprising from an artist on the Compost label. Whether it’s jazz, soul or electronica Seek is an earnest effort imbued with syncopation and soul.
|
Copyright ©2004 FFWD. All rights reserved.