Morpheus Music
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
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Posted : Jun 4, 2009 11:05:35
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STYLE
Exotic electronic dub and downtempo. Babylondon is a genre crossing album of psychedelic chill that draws on elements of jazz, progressive rock, ambient and global techno threading these diverse strands together around a central cord of dubby basslines and lazy beats. Gamelans ring in muted clangour, their rich metallic tones thick against smooth synthesiser pads; dreamy female vocals bring a touch of soul whilst acoustic guitars strum; international drum sounds contrast tribal rhythms against reggae influenced grooves and chordal stabs. Trumpet phrases, spoken word and yells, funky electric guitar work and scratch effects broaden the sonic pallette as tracks range from the blissfully laidback Petrushka Pt. 2 to the mechanically energetic Rodnet. The drums have 'real' sound with additional programming and crisp effects deftly enhancing this technically very lucid soundscape.
MOOD Babylondon maintains an upbeat brightness throughout the album even when lazing in the tranquillity of the more ambient tracks. The melting pot of styles approach has been carefully controlled so as not to lose the project's distinct identity - rather this enmeshing of lush organic global sounds with unencumbered genre sprawling has resulted in a rather tight unity of tropical roots electronica.
ARTWORK Bathed all over in soft gold, the Babylondon artwork features a selection of images dropped down in tone to simple black and white - guitars, decks, cassettes, sax, headphones and shots of the duo themselves. This graphic approach calls to mind some of the iconic reggae album covers of yesteryear. The front cover sees the aforementioned musical items distributed as if fruits on the tips of a large grasslike growth - two figures relax under its shade gazing at a lone butterfly. A tracklist appears on the rear, a three panel fold-out within. The graphically rich insert contains lyrics, writing and recording information, credits and thanks.
OVERALL
Zen Lemonade are the Bali based duo Gus Till and Super Cozi, a project that has been together since the year 2000. Previously releasing their debut Lemon Soul via Dragonfly, appearing on a number of compilation albums as well as delivering solo material in a range of genres, the pair now presents Babylondon through Greek label Electronic Soundscapes six years after their first CD. Having taken up residence in Bali around 2002, the new album clearly benefits from the colourful cultural influences of the island with a variety of ethnic sounds woven neatly into the mix. Guest appearances from such notables as Steve Hillage and Tim Valkenburg on guitar, Simon Polinsky and Joe Creighton on bass with percussive support from Geoffrey Hales further add to the appeal and variety of the album.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Babylondon is an album for dub fans that enjoy a bit of unrestricted exploration with a touch of the sunshine. Danceable chillout for lovers of real music.
  MORPHEUS MUSIC
www.morpheusmusic.co.uk
ELECTRONIC MUSIC MALL
http://www.electronicmusicmall.com |
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