From multsanta Sent Thu, Dec 4th 1997, 01:57
From multsanta Sent Thu, Dec 4th 1997, 01:57
someone asked for in depth review of modus, i'm writing one up just for
you (but i can't remeber who it was!!):
[please, no flames you photekheds]
Photek: Modus Operandi (Virgin Science UK/Astralwerks US)
Drum n' Bass mainstay, Photek finally brings us his long awaited
album. And I have to say that I'm throughly dissapointed. Ten tracks,
three previously released. With the exception of a few tracks complete
lack of melody. The tracks are waay to dragged out (only one is less
than 6 min, with most of them in the 7-8 minute range). No new ground is
covered here, but its still a worthwhile investment for the few tracks
that make the grade (or if you don't have his previous two singles).
Here's the blow by blow:
1.The Hidden Camera
Yeah thats right, way to start it off with a classic. The eerie pianos,
laid back beats, and bordering funky bassline make you wonder why you
need the rest of the album ;-)
As much as i dislike all the previously released tracks on here, i
couldn't think of a better way to open the disc up.
2.Smoke Rings
3.Minotaur
This seems to be the 'my beats kick major ass, but i need to work on my
melodic devolpment' portion of the album, a stage i thought that Photek
had outgrown after _the hidden camera_. if you can look past this,
erm... well at least the vocal samples on 'smoke rings' laced in the
rythym is nice (for minotaur, replace 'vocal samples' with 'deep booming
bass thingys').
4. Aleph 1
Exit planet lack of melody.
Despite the fact that this starts out with the exact same swirly smoke
sounds that smoke rings was surrounded by (see also: '124', must be
ruperts way of making the album flow) this imediatly runs into a little
synth line (YES! a Photek track with Melody!!)
then the breaks kick in.
5. 124
Nice little string bit, looped. Nice bassline. Nice hihat/bass
drum/clap sequence. Little or no progression what so ever. I don't want
or need 7 minutes of this.
6. Axoim
Does that bassline sound familiar?? Ever hear the boymerang mix of Plug's
Me and Mr. Jones? if so, i freely advise - no, urge- you to skip this
track.
7. Trans 7
Now here we go. Bring in the rythymic progression of tracks 2&3
(replacing the ard beats with some crunched out samples) samples and slap
some strings on top. The recipe may be easy , but the meal is five star
(just like Ramen Noodles!)
8. Modus Operendi
awww yeah! dat's ze stuff. Can anyone say Jazzy? More in the vein of
Hidden Camera. Except better. Makes the album aalll worth it.
9. KJZ
10. The 5th Column
Both previously released, so get risc v. reward and find out yourself.
i'm too lazy to tell you how it sounds.
All in all, I'd much rather see Aleph 1, Trans 7, and Modus Operandi
released as a just another single (hell he could have even tossed Hidden
Camera on there, cuz i love it soooo much ;-) . Maybe I just don't have
the attention span for an hour of photek. Or maybe this just isn't RP's
best effort. Probably both. As suggested earlier this week, save up your
bucks and pick up the new Arcon2 album.
___
ps: the 'new' source direct single on Astralwerks is just previously
released material, correct? i've yet to see it. and i think i'd have
much more fun gathering up the 12"s i still don't have.
mult