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Abakus - That Much Closer to the Sun (Liquid Sound Design)

Reconstructed


Started Topics :  4
Posts :  166
Posted : Apr 30, 2004 23:29
Abakus - That Much Closer to the Sun
Liquid Sound Design Records
Released: April 23, 2004

Tracklist:
1- Igmatic
2- Shared Light
3- Nightwalker
4- Circles
5- Magenta
6- A Whole New Way to Look at the Day
7- Indu
8- California Sunshine
9- Lux Boutique
10- Last Summer Dub
11- That Much Closer...
12- Opaque (Bonus Track)

The name Abakus always catches my attention. I consider Russel Davies one of the kings of compilation. His contributions generally tend to outshine all others in my eyes. From California Sunshine on Youth in Dub, to the ingenious remixes on Wider Horizons, I've never come across an Abakus track I didn't love. Beats so chilled that they melt in your ears and psychadelia that immerses you completely. Not to mention his role as one half of Nada, a collaboration that certainly appeals to me for it's stunningly chilled vibes and intelligent beats. Naturally, this put me in a position to have high expectations for his debut album.

"That Much Closer to the Sun" begins with Igmatic, a floating, airy track. The beat eases into the scene 0:50. All percussive instruments are textured and perfectly in a deep, soothing groove. Heavy delays and great atmosphere throughout the whole thing, driven by a rumbling bassline and energetic beat. This is music in a whirlwind, elements spinning about each other and ideas floating up out of the ground. Windy, blown instruments mark the closure of the track. Igmatic sets the stage for the rest of the album, immediately place a high standard of great chillout.

Shared Light begins with a cheerful string of synthesis. It just so happens to fit the beautiful day outside perfectly. Positive and dubby, Shared Light breathes with a life of its own. This is aided by the samples of birdcalls and a little girl saying "Don't be afraid." A short, but agreeable track that is really more than meets the eye if you look at it as moving the album forward instead of by itself.

Nightwalker really starts off marvelously. This track has soul! Bassline and beat, melody and madness... its all here. There is a delicious section bursting at the seams with funk around 2:30. This is when it really takes off. This track really deserves to be played cruising down a back road on a spring night in a convertible, I mean it. At 3:30, the track is back in full swing, leading me down paths of uncharted groove. Really fantastic track all-around. One of my favorites.

Circles surprised me right off the bat with a straight 4/4 kick. Not the sort of pounding kick you find in psytrance but a more mellow, reflective one. It fits the track snugly, although I can't help but be a little turned off by the straight 4/4. Matter of personal taste really. There is some great rhythm behind the kick in the secondary percussion parts. Backlit melodies filter in and out that emphasize the pulse dictated by the kick. They wax and wane under the weight of their own filters. A subtle flute is the melodic center of a good portion of the track. Circles is a perfect name, as there is a circular structure that gives the track its own feel with respect to the rest of the album.

Magenta starts in an icy cave, dripping and luminescent. Quickly you realize this cave isn't on Earth at all. As we get Closer to the Sun the ice begins to melt and a truly twisted, engrossing beat takes over. Fast-paced kick and snare work with a myriad of squelching delights in the exterior. Great psychadelic images can be found, if you look in the right places. This track captures a slightly bizzare, alien essence that is really unique. I would call this "Exploration Fantasy" over "Chillout," but that is a matter for the genre fiends! In fact, I would just plain call this track "Excellent" and be done with labels entirely.

A Whole New Way to Look at the Day comes from down the way, with a vibe fashioned in some kind of spiritual oasis. It has a flute melody of such depth and emotion that haven't often found outside of Shpongle. Atmosphere on this track is multifaceted and shimmering. I feel weightless, helpless, fantastic. But who needs weight or help when you are floating through an oozing passage of colors and sounds? Splendid. Vibrant. I'd very much like to wake up with this track kicking off the day; it has that kind of serene relaxation.

Indu is an edgy, forward-moving gem that strikes me as the kind of track that would drive a chillout venue crazy. It is just so invigorating that I am hardly able to resist putting my tea down and dancing. A chopped vocal beautifully lifts the thrashing beat into higher spaces. The down pitching of a bass note on the first beat of some measures rolls and pulses like a machine given life. Squirming, self-reflective, psychedelic soundscapes give focus to ideas lying underneath the surface. Fresh ideas abound!

California Sunshine was my absolute favorite track from Youth in Dub. The bassline, the guitar, the sparse beat... I can't get enough of it. Closer to the Sun's is just as good, I assure you. I find this track to be a superb delight to listen to. It is chocked full of emotion, brilliant melodies and great production. The vocals have a kind of intrinsic sadness to them that balances the scale of musical yin/yang to a point where I can't help but just close my eyes and be swept away. The reawakening at 4:10 is pure bliss. At 5:30, the guitar again takes the stage and finishes off a brilliant track in a tasteful and pleasing way.

Lux Boutique is an electro joy. Bleeps, glorps and shponks are the sounds of the day in this track. The main bass/snare beat is downplayed, giving space for the electro-rhythm to work its magic. This is music for a mood elevator, going up. Great vocoder work, excellently manipulated. Sadly, it stops before getting the top floor. In that respect, it works brilliantly as an avenue into Last Summer Dub.

Last Summer Dub is a Drum Druid track remixed by Abakus, first heard on LSD's Wider Horizons. Starts off funky and certainly doesn't disappoint. Percussion is of the sort that is relatively simple, but undeniably well done. Works perfectly with the bassline to keep this track moving forward. All sorts of subtle synth approaches and withdraws give great substance to the track. Vocal sample is perfectly integrated, subtle but defined. This is the kind of track that lies on that sublime border between chillout, dub and dance. Great remix overall. There are several differences from the Wider Horizons version, all of which are still true to the spirit of the original while giving it a touch of Davies' remixing delight.

"That Much Closer..." has a warm, vintage feel served with forward-thinking electronic spice. Great bassline, moves from note to note effortlessly and with a great deal of groove! Percussion work is flawless, as usual. Every sort of juicy fill and flam, roll and rhythm you could think of. This track is a certifiable groover; I can barely keep still to write this review.

Opaque is a bonus track that begins fluidly, dotted with spoken samples. Filter work on the synths is all over the place, giving off a great psychedelic vibe. The beat glues together all flavors of synthesis magic. There is a guitar part that is infrequent but powerful. At 4:00, an abrasive synth melody reminds you this isn't your standard chill-out fair. You best keep on your toes! Opaque begins to spin down upon itself, which serves as a great ending to a great album.

"That Much Closer to the Sun" is a refreshing blend of styles and ideas from Russel Davies. Each track has its own unique feel and environment that keeps your attention and demands the senses. The varied ideas and gripping beats found inside are sure to capture the mind of listeners and attention of chillout enthusiasts and DJs around the globe.
Setherian
Setherian

Started Topics :  41
Posts :  254
Posted : May 1, 2004 01:46
fucking amaaaaaaazing cd!!!!!!!!!!!

wowowowwowowoowwooww

perfect from first second to the last one!

no more to say!!           The Devil Is In Detail!
dNETv2


Started Topics :  2
Posts :  168
Posted : May 1, 2004 04:19
Still waiting for my copy to arrive in the mail. I was hoping it was gonna be here today, but guess I have to wait alittle longer...

...Can't wait to hear it.
Banel
Behind Blue Eyes

Started Topics :  96
Posts :  415
Posted : May 1, 2004 10:15
The Abakus Album landed in the Iboga the other day and what an album...This one is very highly recommended...Thumbs up to Russel Davies and Liquid Sound Design which surly is one of my favorite labels...           www.myspace.com/michaelbanel
Russell
Abakus/Nada
Started Topics :  3
Posts :  17
Posted : May 1, 2004 16:08
thanks for the kind words!! I'm glad you guys are enjoying the album.

cheers for the cool review reconstructed

this is my first post on the forum and what a nice place to start...

until next time,

Russell

dNETv2


Started Topics :  2
Posts :  168
Posted : May 4, 2004 00:29
Ok, just got this in the mail not more than 10 minutes ago. I was one of the lucky ones who got the japanese version with the bonus track "Opaque". I'm not sure if this was limited edition, or not, but all I know is it's sold out at saikosounds now...

Abakus - That Much Closer To The Sun

Released 2004 on LSD.

Track 1: Igmatik
As the beat filters in underneath nice gated synth lines, and warm atmosphere you can already tell this is a high quality release. Standard beat drops in at 0:53 while the gated synths and atmosphere continue to soar over this groovin first track. More percussion elements join with that signature 'nada' sound. Gotta love this track, so clear and crisp. Slightly simple, but gets the point accross perfectly.

Track 2: Shared Light
Short track (2:27), but nice. Mellow synths melody, again deep bass and 'normal' sounding drums. Of course there is nothing wrong with 'normal' now and then, is there? Don't be afraid.

Track 3: Nightwalker
When I first heard this clip at Saikosounds, I knew it was gonna be my favorite on the album. Some more mellow synths, and upbeat drums pushing a rhodes modeled synth and tweaked background effects. Beautiful melodys that just make ya smile and enjoy the little things in lifes, such as good music! "Go ahead george, light it up." We've heard this sample before in an old Kox Box track, but works much better here, I'd say. At 2:40 the track sorta changes pace with more synthetic sounds, but jumps back quickly to wear the track began. Nice loungey chilled track, indeed, this ones gonna be hard to beat, can't afford to get hooked.

Track 4: Circles
We start off with warm atmosphere, and 4/4 beat which I didn't except, but lets see where it goes... Sorta trancey but organic trance more than anything. Flutes, gated voice ambiences and warm pads come together to formulate a nice break down around 1:38. Still rolling with 4/4 beat and deep bass line while little synths stabs drowned in delay bring up the groove again. This one is breathe of fresh air after listening to same old sounds found in the ever played out 'full on' style lately. Nice one for sure! Probably be hearing this one a lot in the chill out tents at this summers fests and parties.

Track 5: Megenta
This one sounds interesting... Some more tweakable drums and sorta 'drum and bass' bass line, its definitly got groove once the sharp synths and flute start flaring along side this almost... 'glitch' drum programming. Slows down... "We stand in a place no one has ever stood before" is spoken by mr. mckenna, and its true, definitly original track. Full of good sounds and progression, but it would be nice if it were a little longer.

Track 6: A Whole New Way Of Looking At The Day
Fading in Acoustic progression, shakers, and flutes start this one off. Some more upbeat drums, and groovin bassline. The flute was played by Rebecca Lawence on this one. Bongo percussion take their place about half way through, and some reoccurring voice samples from the "Go on George light it up sequence", but not the same. Do I sense a theme? Sure could you alittle of that, echos to end this one. Nice one.

Track 7: Indu
Pumping drums and warped atmospheres, very deep bass, and gated female vocal line. Almost sounds early 90's in a sense. Excuse me while I bust a move...

...Ok, Some nice tweakage about midway. Now we build to an uplifting plane of all the prior elements joined by a arpegiated synth line. Very nice.

Track 8: California Sunshine (vocals by ranajit sengupta)
This one appeared on Youths last mix compilation, Orchestra Mystique. It has sorta an ethnic feeling, with some indian vocal "ohhs and ahhs", and accoustic guitar carrying the track right along. You've probably already heard this one somewhere so I won't comment on it too much. Probably the most 'professional' sounding track on the album, not that the others aren't. This one just holds a different quality.

Track 9: Lux Boutique
Ok, this is another short one (2:29). We have some bitcrushed drum programming and lots of delay create the fortress for a mellow hyrid of a rhodes and bell sound. Some vocoded vocals chill in the background panning about. Nice little ditty, Cool.

Track 10: Last Summer Dub
We've all heard this one already, and you gotta love it! Written & produced by Jeremy Van Kampen which was one of half of Cosmosis at one point, and now 'Laughing Buddha', remixed by Russell. This one also appeared on 'Wider Horizons'. Killer track, love the sharp bass bassline and floating synth elements. Nice!

Track 11: That Much Closer
Ethnic percussion start this one off, with those gated voices and warm atmospheres again. Once the bass comes in the track starts to move along alittle better than how it started. The echo'd out fx and synth elements carry this one.

Track 12: Opaque (Bonus track)
Sorta spooky, and moody. Tweaked drums, with lots of fx, which definitly sound good on the ears. Hypnotizing downbeat, covering all the basis again. Towards the end we get into a more hitech groove which is quite nice. I'm glad I got the japenese version with this track on it.

Final thoughts... Abakus - That much closer to the sun is really and excellent cd just to hang out, or dance to on a summer afternoon. Nothing too complicated or extravigent, but that could be a plus (+) to some. Another thing I noticed while I sat and review this cd was that it definitly has a digital quality about it. It doesn't sound rough or have much texture. Maybe, since this is my first listen I've failed to notice such detail, but this will definitly be my morning cd of choice for those long drives to work this week.

I really hate rating someone elses art but since it's so common, I guess I have to. : I would give this an 8.5/10. Go buy it!

And my favorite track on here was track 3 "Nightwalker"!
christian4d


Started Topics :  0
Posts :  2
Posted : May 4, 2004 01:39
review: abakus, 'that much closer to the sun'

when i first heard the finished product of ... 'that much closer to the sun', i was not disappointed. however much i could give you a detailed review on what i think of every track on this cd, i think it best to leave that up to you. i could confidently say that this cd will become part of your soundtrack of the summer, and beyond ... with cross-generational, international, universal, and multidimensional appeal. every year an album comes out which stands out as the 'good feel album of the year', and i believe this is the one. this is the album of the now. like the sent of a beautiful flower, this music draws you into the moment, reminds you how beautiful the moment is, and will never let you forget it. the beautiful melodies linger. you'll get hooked on the funky groovy melodies of tracks such as 'nightwalker' and 'ismatik'. the soft voluptuous melodies of tracks such as 'circles', 'a whole new way of looking at the day', and 'california sunshine' will carry with you and have you humming, keeping your glowing aura shining bright throughout your day. the sensitivity of the simple track 'shared light' loosens up your heart chakra so you can fully absorb the kindness of this music and gentleness as the music floats around your soul caressing each and every part of your being. musical yoga for the body, mind and spirit. if you're feeling low, stick on 'that much closer ...', and you'll remember, we're all in this together, and we're all in this to help each other. love is the way. and 'that much closer to the sun' reminds us, love is the only way.
humph
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :  44
Posts :  169
Posted : May 4, 2004 13:32
thanks for all the kind words. all the reactions seem to enjoy the positivity of this album and appreciate the soothing melodies and vitalising spirit !
Insejn


Started Topics :  0
Posts :  6
Posted : May 4, 2004 18:07
I thought it would be mine today. But no I think I'll have to wait tomorrow. Stupid slow mail.           Free your mind and your ass will follow.
PKS
IsraTrance Full Member

Started Topics :  75
Posts :  490
Posted : May 9, 2004 14:19
I'm amazed.... here comes my review:


Abakus is a name you will for sure hear a lot this summer. This is Russell Davies from the UK, who has allready released several tracks on various compilations on Liquid Sound Design, the chilled side label of Dragonfly Records. Now he is out with his debut album, which will for sure surprise many people with his beautiful summer chill. This release also came as a special Japanese edition where you will find a slightly different catalogue number and a bonus track. I am lucky enough to have the Japanese version... After hearing his tracks on several compilations, I have been really looking forward to this one.

Abakus “That Much Closer To The Sun” Liquid Sound Design 2004 (BFLWCD72)

1. Igmatik
2. Shared Light
3. Nightwalker
4. Circles
5. Magenta
6. A Whole New Way Of Looking At The Day
7. Indu
8. California Sunshine
9. Lux Boutique
10. Last Summer Dub
11. That Much Closer...
12. Opaque (Bonus Track)

First out is a beautiful atmospheric track, with relaxed down tempo beats and a fantastic floating vibe. About as beautiful as it can get. The melodies make you really float. Perfect for chilling out in the sun. Track 2 is another melodic masterpiece, with a groovy bass and a relaxing tempo. The melodies are light and happy, but not too fluffy. Nice one. Track 3 is a totally chilled down tempo track, with some really nice easy listening melodies. The melodies are so happy that it will for sure result in many smiles in the chill out areas this year. Another perfect summer track. Track 4 is surprisingly a progressive trance track. But it is really soft and floating, so it is still very relaxing. Drifting beats and beautiful melodies and sounds. A track for the early evening dance floor or for your chilling out in the sun somewhere. Track 5 goes a bit more experimental. Cool experimental beats and twists, mystic melody and an almost scary bass. Definetely more psychedelic vibe in this one. Really good. Track 6 is one of the most beautiful acoustic tracks I have ever heard. Acoustic guitar and a wonderful flute played by Rebecca Lawrence. You also get some dubby beats, and I wish this track lasted longer, because it is a bit short (only three and a half minute). One of the best chill out tracks I have ever heard.

Track 7 (Indu) starts with dubby beats. Then the floating beautiful melodies drifts into the track. This sounds just fantastic! This track is also released on a 12”on Liquid Sound Design with an extra remix of this track done by an artist called Shiloh. After a while, the dubby beats goes over to a stumpy down tempo rhythm you can either dance to or chill out to. Another all time favourite, but again I wish it lasted a bit longer. Track 8 (California Sunshine) was first released on the Youth In Dub compilation on Liquid Sound Design last year. This has also got some acoustic guitar and a lot of etnic vocals done by someone named Ranajit Sengupta. This track reminds me quite a lot of some of the tracks by Angel Tears. Track 9 starts with some weird relaxing sounds. Then a light melody sneaks in. One of the slowest and most experimental ambient tracks on this album. Weird, but beautiful. Track 10 was first released on the Wider Horizons compilation on Liquid Sound Design. This one is made together with Jeremy Van Kampen who was previously one half of Cosmosis, now most known as Laughing Buddha. A totally relaxing down tempo track with some nice tribal drums and happy melodies drifting above. Track 11 is actually the last track if you have got the European version of this compilation. This is an absolute masterpiece. The melodies in this one are so incredibly beautiful! Mixed with totally relaxed down tempo beats and a floating vibe, this makes it to another favourite chill out track of all times! Fantastic! I just wish the track lasted a bit longer. The bonus track you get on the Japanese version is a mystic ambient track. Deep and floating with experimental beats. Nice one.

This album is in my opinion the best album released so far on Liquid Sound Design! This will for sure be one of the best albums of 2004, and I will play it over and over again this summer. So if you are after some really fresh, pure quality chill for the summer, I would suggest you to check this out. Recommended!
PK (shivapks@hotmail.com)


For more reviews, check out:

http://www.trance.net           CHILL TRIBE
CTRCD01 QUALITY RELAXATION
CTRCD02 RELAXED JOURNEYS
CTRCD03 EAR PLEASURE
CTRCD04 WOMBATMUSIC - Shameful Silence
CTRCD05 POLYPLOID - Grow Your Own
CTRCD06 IAN ION - Gringo Locomotion
CTRCD07 SUNKINGS - Before We Die
Surrender
IsraTrance Team

Started Topics :  506
Posts :  5388
Posted : May 9, 2004 17:37
this cd took me to a wonderful journey yesterday as i was listening to it

im so impressed by the diversity in mood and tracks here. way to go, excellent album.           "On the other hand, you have different fingers."
http://myspace.com/gadimon
Mad Ron
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics :  11
Posts :  56
Posted : May 10, 2004 16:31
I loved this cd. I've been playing the tracks a lot here in Oxford since I got it and the crowd reaction has been awesome. I played Two tracks on my radio show on saturday too and got some good msn response.

I think the reason these tracks reach out to people is that they are optimistic and summery without being over druggy. A good balance of the psychedelic with good humour and technical skills. My favourite track is the last one (That much closer) which I listened to with a cup of tea watching the sun set over the river last week and it was a real moment.

Another great string to the Liquid Sound Design bow. What next for these pioneering groovers?

olivier
Side-A

Started Topics :  40
Posts :  1303
Posted : May 11, 2004 13:48
amazing album !!
the cd doesn't quit my cd player since i received
"igmatik" & "a whole new way of looking at the day" are my favourites !!!!
again , great great work from the l.s.d crew that never dissapoint and always release high quality music
keep it up!
humph
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :  44
Posts :  169
Posted : May 12, 2004 19:44
been getting huge thumbs up and support from Mixmaster Morris and Pathaan ! if you got time check www.abakus.me.uk for samples from the album and a biography. Youth and Abakus will start work on an album next month too!!
-Abatwa-
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics :  42
Posts :  1087
Posted : May 13, 2004 09:21
This is a lot more than I expected. Only knew Abakus from compilations. This is a masterpiece. It blends a lot of styles together from IDM to psychedelic ambient. Very nice melodies throughout the album. Every second of the album has a joy and relaxation to give.
Although its hard to give a favorite track, mine would probably be 02 - Shared Light. A very short track but I doubt with this melody, a person cannot go away without reaching inner peace and a huge grin on his/her face.
          `Bottomless wonders spring from simple rules, which are repeated without end` Mandelbrot
Trance Forum » » Forum  Music Reviews - Abakus - That Much Closer to the Sun (Liquid Sound Design)

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