(idm) review: David Kristian 12"

From Upaka
Sent Sat, Jul 4th 1998, 00:41

David Kristian - a. National Kid / b. Oyster Point (on Discreet/Indiscreet)

        Very nice 12" of drum and bass. The drum patterns are precise and crystalline
clean, with strange atmospheres in the background. The side with the track
listing (I think it's Oyster Point, but I'm not certain) begins with a
wonderful melody. Intricate drum patterns then emerge while the melody slowly
changes. The other side has a strange drawing on it, and a lovely track, less
overtly melodic with a creative use of those ubiquitous diva samples (they
only show up for a bit). 

        While a lot of people on this list make posts implying that drum and bass is
formulaic and lacking in 'innovation', you certainly couldn't say that about
this record (Well, you could, but you'd be wrong), or David Kristian's earlier
release on Drop Beat 'The Ectopic Beat' . What I'm most impressed by is the
level of musical sophistication in his work. He has a very unique sound, and
doesn't sound like a Squarepusher or Autechre rip-off. Best of all he has very
tasty drum patterns. 
                                                
                                                                                                                        -David