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Benza - Schwarze Now, The Defender (Sonic Dragon)
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psyreviews
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
71
Posts :
204
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 11:23
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An early contender for album of the year. There, that got your attention didn’t it? While Europe is obsessed with big names, and the psy world is (to a greater or lesser extent) reeling from the recent flurry of suddenly-decent takes on that clean, “neo” fullon sound, from a corner of Australia comes this. Benza’s previous work has been impressive, but with Schwarze he has found his voice.
Mechanism takes the standard-fayre post-Beckers electrodiscotechgressive and adds a bit of gnarl in just the right place. The mix between fluid, flighty prog and los mas cajones just where they’re needed is compelling: you get the feeling that you’re listening to something very special indeed. Likewise Fabric. Pure outdoor dustydoof slowly picks up melodic tinges, before it goes utterly through the roof about halfway through. And I don’t mean “through the roof” in a Sesto Sento way. This is measured, unstressed, authentic stuff.
The quality and vision on this album are incredible. The two-part breaks workout of Overture/The Switch is possibly the finest case in point. The electroclash, with unapologetic 80’s stabs, has me in mind of Arif Mardin, producer of Chaka Khan; likewise the tender, ticklish Irreverence.
The Wolf gets a confident and wide-ranging rework, all the more haunting in this guise; meanwhile Everyone’s A Pornstar is like Boogie Nights recast with Peaches donning a strapon and taking Prince up the arse. Fans of Benza’s earlier (and perhaps more aggressive) output will be interested in The Collector, a driving rhythm section which is accompanied not to much by instruments and lines, but by sounds that are somehow suspended over the top to create harmony.
Finally, the ten-minute Sunday seems to sync together Iron Maiden, Shpongle and Haltya while meshing it all into the theme music for some desperately odd Manga flick.
Schwarze actually makes me with I was a producer, as I’m sure there’s a whole nother level of appreciation for those who make music. However, I’m a critic and critic’s don’t evaluate art based on the quality of the canvas.
This album is out there on its own. It’s lasting, it’s listenable, it’s funky, it’s enjoyable. I’m frothing at the mouth. It’s really that good.
10
http://www.psyreviews.com
Couldn't see a review for this one, sorry if I missed it -- the lad Benza will be in Europe over summer, does anyone know anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone who might like to book him? Not the place to ask, I know...
I await the horse's head in my bed 
http://tinyurl.com/265vam
*cough*
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http://www.psyreviews.com |
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exotic
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
200
Posts :
5057
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 20:06
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well said .. mechanism is definately my favourite track on this and you are absolutely right about the gnarl in the right places 
this album is top notch cutting edge stuff. just the right tempo mixed with lotsa funk. droooool
id love to hear a benzaaa live .. open air , beeer , hot ladies grooving to this music. 
Two hands up in the air for benZZZZZaaaa
 missing plug-in |
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Elad
Tsabeat/Sattel Battle
Started Topics :
158
Posts :
5306
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 21:55
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pavi
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
29
Posts :
478
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 23:25
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the link split my sides  |
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Shahar Indepth
Indepth
Started Topics :
16
Posts :
416
Posted : May 10, 2007 14:39
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oi vei
wonderful album!
easily one of the best albums out his year.
i havent seen such a brilliant fusion of styles in a long long while...electro, psy, breaks, its all here, and packed with half a ton of groove and funkiness
very very recommended!
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http://www.indepth1.com |
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Anogenic
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
23
Posts :
200
Posted : Jun 5, 2007 16:37
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Ooooh!
So funkadelic! A fresh breeze in a stagnant music genre.
One of my favorite home listening albums of the year so far!
Great work mate! "Depth Perception" from the first album is still one of my favorite tracks ever and this album hasn't let me down.
«They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.» |
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full_on
IsraTrance Team
Started Topics :
279
Posts :
5475
Posted : Oct 4, 2008 18:32
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I was sure I have posted something here before! Maybe some evil moderator deleted it!
Seriously, this album is rock solid, excellent in many aspects, been listening for a long time...
Favorites change all the time, but right now I would say 1st and 2nd tracks.
Really worth checking!
Tracklist:
01. Pythagoras
02. Mechanism
03. Acting in Concert
04. Fabric
05. Overture
06. The Switch
07. The Wolf (Eurovisionary mix)
08. Irreverence
09. Everyone’s a Pornstar (Benza’s Glandular mix)
10. The Collector
11. Sunday
Check it here:
http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=6287
Respect!
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...Be gentle with the earth...
...Dance like nobody's watching...
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...I don't mind not going to Heaven, as long as they've got Coffee in Hell... |
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Shaqattack
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
71
Posts :
1381
Posted : Oct 18, 2008 15:36
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amazing album. Hear it over and over again and still isnt enough!
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Voice of All
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
48
Posts :
762
Posted : Oct 22, 2008 22:00
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unfortunately i'm not realy impressed with this album... and it is very sad cause i'm hardcore fan of the previous one 'retrofuturizm'. new one is too much overloaded with beatless parts and way too mad from time to time. but there are two tracks i liked a lot - sunday (brilliant goa style with outstanding melodies and perfect surrounding) and the wolf (which is very fresh and original)
i think that my feeble opinion is only mine so i'd like to recomend it for all who is seeking for pure psychedelic music with fresh ideas and crystal clear production... try it and maybe it would be your number one cd for some time...
Spiritual guides are to practice and serve in ways that cultivate awareness, empathy, and wisdom. |
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