Under The Influence

I write this sitting aboard the train that's taking me to see these two (along with Fanfare Ciocarlia) performing live for the first time. I generally have a policy of not listening to an artist before a gig but for some reason I'm breaking that rule now.

Silky smooth, it is. Velvety fiddle and accordion work. Apparently when playing live they use such trickery as funny hats with drumsticks attached to allow for more simultaneous instrument playing. The scales used in Klezmer are so refreshing after having listened to the same old scales used time and again in western music. This Albuquerque couple have still managed to invite a good dose of western influence into their sound and all the singing is in english making it accessible for layfolk like myself.

Just arrived back from the gig! Very nice indeed. It was Fanfare Ciocarlia that stole the show - though I'm still in love with A Hawk And A Hacksaw.

One of the albums I picked up in my hunt for random eastern block music a couple of months back. I think it's actually a guy who lives in Amsterdam now but the influence still shines through.

It's an interesting blend of sounds. Half of it is modern disco - lots and lots of those beow beow things they like to do so much. Fun, light housey beats (which makes sense given that House was basically squeezed out of disco in the first place). Flips it over and the other half is dub.

Many of the songs sway over towards the eastern side - hectic pumping accordion based numbers. Drunk n Space is a good example - though it drops away into a dub vibe halfway through which is pretty cool. The following song, Orbital Hora, is a dub track for that matter (though with more western eurpoean sounding accordion work).

Lots of different influences coming into play. I suspect the man may be well travelled.

I downloaded this album (from EM) because of a segment on 2manydjs pt 2 featuring the vocals from their track Keine Melodien over something (Felix The Housecat's Silverscreen I think). Imagine my surprise when I found it jam packed full of acoustic guitars. It's a funny little beast, gradually becoming more and more electronic as the album goes on. By the time you hit Latialla Taas it has turned into a bit of a dance album.

It never reaches the high that I was expecting after their appearance on 2manydjs - of course - but once I got over that I found it to be an enjoyable work. At its peak (around Latialla Taas) it's fun, playful, danceable and worthy of further listens.

Wow. I like this. Already I'm pretty sure I'm going to be playing this at every party this summer. The original version is definitely the pick of the disc. I was actually looking for other covers of Wired For Sound after hearing the B(if)tek version the other day. This isn't a cover of the song I was thinking of at all (at least I don't think it is) but a great track nonetheless.

Mmmm... dirty electro beats.

[Just grabbed a couple more tracks off their album (via Juno) and they're really good too. Why isn't this album on EM?]

What's the deal? Cheesy powerpop hits! You honestly listened to this? Yep, and I kinda enjoyed it!

The first tune 'Now Is The Time' reeks of movie soundtracks, as do lots of other songs on here. Super clean production, layered up just right in the studio and topped off with shedloads of pick-slides.

I think the thing I like about it is that it reminds me of the fun rock of the 80s. It sounds a lot like Def Leopard with a girl singing - have a listen to 'Get Up And Go' and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about - there are plenty of shredding guitar solos to soak up.

At the risk of being labelled Emo I'm going to say that it touched me. It's all very teenaged.

Don't quote me on this but I have a feeling these cats are on Ninja Tune. It's unfair to do but one can draw a number of comparisons with Cinematic Orchestra (I know, I'm sorry). Having listened to the new Cinematic Orchestra a bit more I think it's probably lucky that Loka have turned up on the scene to take over.

All instrumental, very jazz infused. Big sound. Big textures. Very pretty. The two part Tabernacle is probably the song that most stands out for me.

Another one of those bands that I could see coming when !!! dropped back in the day. I've always thought of the sound as being a push towards an updated version of The Clash. These guys do a pretty good job of it. Cool danceable grooves. The Van She Tech remix of Ice Cream is probably my favourite in terms of DJ material.