Music Reviews
Roger Eno/Plumbline - Transparencies
Hydrogen DukeboxHere we have the first collaboration between Roger Eno and Will Thomas aka Plumbline, both of whom have released projects on All Saints and Hydrogen Dukebox. This is a beautiful cinematic album with a whole host of influences, which literally include sounds from clocks, cars and church bells, the kind of thing you would expect from Matthew Herbert. In fact the first track "Transparency" could easily be the work of Herbert himself. The recording "Transparencies" began with joining the dots of various churches and buildings among the beautiful landscape of East Anglia. Things then moved to New York to be manipulated by Will, which gives the album the gritty rhythms, melodies and soft tones. Lovely stuff.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 03/06
Roger Robinson - Illclectica
Altered VibesRoger Robinson is now into his tenth year of programming poetry, performing, writing and teaching, and currently divides his time between London, New York and Trinidad. He has been hailed the UK's answer to Saul Williams and just listening to the stunning 7" single 'Nicola's Song' you can see why there is quite a buzz around the release of his debut 'Illclectica'. Produced by Roger and Rob Mac from Scratch/Speeka, they have arranged twelve brilliant tracks of various styles and moods, with exceptional poetic lyrics from Roger. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this wonderful album, you won't regret it.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Roisin Murphy - Ruby Blue
EchoOver the last five months, three beautifully packaged 12's have been released, produced by the genius Matthew Herbert and featuring stunning vocals from Moloko's leading lady. All nine tracks from the three 12's now come complete as a cd package. Of course we have Herbert's quirky productions skills, which are perfectly suited to Roisin's vocals, who sounds not a million miles away in style to Herbert's long time collaborator and wife Dani Siciliano. You have the sought after 'Night Of The Dancing Flame', smoker 'Sinking Feeling' and my personal faves 'Ramalama (Bang Bang)' and 'Sow Into You'. Keep an eye out for the forthcoming single because it's supposed to be remixed by someone special.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Roland Appel - Talk to your Angel
Sonar KollektivUnbelievably, this is the first solo long-player from Roland Appel, who has already achieved much success as one half of Fauna Flash (with Christian Prommer being the other), one third of Truby Trio, and co-producer of G-Stone’s Voom:Voom project. His 2007 single, ‘Dark Soldier’, was a slow burning hit, gaining support from just about every DJ worth their salt, and the rest of the album pretty much picks up where that left off. Electronic house of varying tempos is the order of the day, so uncompromising big room drum loops and bold, building synth chords (think Ame’s ‘Nia’) play the major part, with the occasional female vocalist in a supporting role. Granted, this isn’t really anything new, in terms of an original style, and in some places feels like a definite nod to our ‘progressive house’ past, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, if you like a tougher shade of brilliantly produced, dance floor driven house music – and let’s face it, many people do – then this is all rather good news.
Tom Breslin, 05/08
Roots Manuva - Awfully Deep
Big Dada RecordsRodney Smith aka Roots Manuva releases his third album for Ninja Tune's baby brother - Big Dada. Mr Manuva manages to surpass himself once more with that distinctive voice and experimental riddums. Two singles: 'Colossal Insight' and 'Too cold' have already graced the shelves in rekkid stores across the planet featuring some superb remixes alongside the originals. Now Roots is a real marmite situation, you either like his style of vocal or you hate it. This dude has written some brilliant songs in the past and there are plenty more to be devoured from this album.
I think Roots Manuva has matured even more with this release. Some of the beats are very original and he proves that he's still not scared about rhyming about the real deal in this messed up land we call home. If you still haven't bought this gem then at least give it a listen - Roots Manuva fans will love it.
Jax, 09/05
Roy Ayers - Virgin Ubiquity II Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981
BBE RecordsOver a year since the first instalment, volume 2 finally hits the shops. Thirteen tracks spread over three 12"s, it looks as beautiful as all the previous BBE releases and the inner sleeve notes give you a background to all the tracks. BBE is all about the attention to detail. Roy Ayers has released so much ground breaking music over the last 30 years, it amazes me that these have been left on the shelf until now. I won't list specific tracks for you because you need to hear them all and while you're at it, dig out Volume 1 again.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Roy Hargrove - Nothing Serious
Verve RecordsRoy Hargrove returns with a straight-ahead jazz set released at the same time as his more soul and funk orientated project 'Distractions' under his RH Factor moniker. Although 'Distractions' continues the vibe established on 'Hard Groove' it doesn't quite match the standard of 'Nothing Serious'. This set opens with the superb title track before moving into 'A Day In Vienna', both of which have a strong Latin vibe. 'Camaraderie' is a pure bop beauty but not to be overlooked is the heavy groove of 'Salima's Dance' and the beautiful swing of 'The Gift'. A truly timeless piece deserving of your full attention.
Andy Allen, 08/06
RSL - Every Preston Guild
PlayersThis is one debut that I've been waiting for ever since I first heard the now classic 'Wesley Music', which rocked just about every dancefloor back in 2003. Some three years later and a few more singles in the shops 'Every Preston Guild' sees the light of day. The three man team that make up RSL create a nice mix of old and new, fusing Jazz, Latin, House and Soul into the pot. If you already have the singles, the main reason for buying this album is certainly what should be their next single, 'Every Preston Guild', another anthem in the making.
Simon Harrison, 12/05
Rupa and The April Fishes - Extraordinary Rendition
CumbanchaAnother superb Cumbancha release , this time focussed on singer/guitarist/composer Rupa, a fascinating character (she’s also a physician in San Francisco) her earlier life involved living in a variety of countries which has meant she writes songs in a variety of languages languages, including French, Spanish, Hindi and English. The music also has many influences including gypsy, Indian and contemporary Latin, think Manu Chao meets Dengue Fever meets French Chanson and you’ll be in the right direction, better still seek it out and make up your own mind whilst you enjoy.
Graham Radley, 07/08