CD Reviews
May 1, 2008 12:00 PM
9TH WONDER & BUCKSHOT
The Formula (Duck Down)
The chemistry continues
The title of 9th Wonder and Buckshot's second collaboration speaks volumes of the duo's ever-reliable sound. Much like the veteran Brooklyn MC and North Carolina producer's collective 2005 debut (Chemistry), The Formula represents soulful, sample-based hip-hop with pure timelessness. Despite's 9th's unwillingness to expand upon his reliance on warm loops and mid-tempo programmed drums, his method has yet to go stale. And thanks to 9th Wonder, Boot Camp Clik co-founder Buckshot still sounds ignited 16 years into his career.
Buck's verbal approach has certainly shifted since he first emerged as a lively hard knock in the early '90s. This album reflects the MC's wiser mindset and more refined flow, witnessed on top-notch tracks like the uplifting chipmunk soul-based “Ready (Brand New Day)” — an anthem about strong work ethic. The lead single “Go All Out” follows a similar framework, but with an added R&B touch courtesy of guest vocalist Carlitta Durand. Sure, 9th Wonder doesn't challenge Buckshot tremendously, but he doesn't have to. The longtime BK rhymer has found his comfort zone with 9th making this LP a welcome reprise of what we heard on Chemistry.
— Max Herman
ANANDA PROJECT
Night Blossom (Nite Grooves/King Street Sounds)
It's the mix that makes this remix comp
With P'taah, Wamdue and this project, Chris Brann is working multiple projects to express his house impulses. Ananda shows the deepest and most soulful of these, and for this two-disc companion to Fire Flower, Blaze, Joe Claussell and others play up the organic core of his songs. Workaholic Brann can't stay away, and on the second disc he offers a buoyant mix of Ananda originals plus bonus remixes courtesy of King Britt, The Rurals and Kyoto Jazz Massive. The highlight of both discs is Idjut Boys' radiant 10-minute deconstruction of “Moments Before Dreaming.”
— Noah Levine
COSTA MUSIC
Lighter Subjects (Stilll)
Atmospherically appealing
The first solo effort from L'Altra's Joseph Costa arrives in a downtrodden but hypnotic mood. Costa's husky, murmured vocals are front and center as he croons of love lost and anticipations faded. The opener, “As I Go Beneath,” sounds more like an ending with its downtempo tones, but by the time you get to the actual end of the disc, you'll be lulled into such a state of pleasantly resigned torpor that you'll have lost track of the order anyway. In between, tunes like “Sounds Like a Sigh” and “The Long Passing,” with its hovering ambiance, quietly showcase Costa's mournfully languid vocal charisma.
— Kristi Kates
CURUMIN
JapanPopShow (Quannum Projects)
Spitting in Portuguese sure is pretty
JapanPopShow is possibly the easiest way to tap in to Brazilian culture without actually going there. It's what we imagine a São Paulo beach party sounds like; funky drum circles, romantic Portuguese dialect and the intermittent smoke before bodyboarding pristine waves. With elements of dub, Afro funk, samba soul and hip-hop setting the mood, Curumin sounds like a Brazilian version of Jack Johnson on a mild Bonde Do Role kick (“Compacto”). Add to that some bossa nova guitar reminiscent of João Gilberto on “Esperança,” and you've got music that speaks to the soul.
— Jason Jurgens
THE DEATH SET
Worldwide (Counter)
Synths lighten hardcore mood
Listening to the debut album from Australian transplants and current Baltimore warehouse dwellers Johnny Siera and Beau Velasco doesn't take much time, but the 18 computer-aided hardcore punk songs on this 26-minute effort inspire repeated plays and eventually eat up the hours. Noise riot “Peak Oil” is an alarmist post-petroleum vision, while resolute anthem “Negative Thinking” is all punk edge, runaway drums and dueling guitar and organ. The attitude and momentum are pure hardcore, but the synthesized contributions bring a bouncy spirit to the overdriven sonic fun.
— Noah Levine
DIMITRI FROM PARIS
Return to the Playboy Mansion (Defected)
Back in the grotto
The third installation of Dimitri from Paris' Playboy Mansion compilations is the best yet. With a decided focus on songs from decades past, the first disc is happy disco, upbeat party tunes with the required feel-good formula, such as Jamiroquai's “Cosmic Girl” and Musique's “Love Massage.” The second disc is for after the party, with leg openers such as Marvin Gaye's “I Want You” and the regulation romance of Barry White. Dimitri knows what will get the Mansion crowd going — the older the track, the more impactful its effect on the overall sound and mood of the party.
— Lily Moayeri
GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY
Robotique Majestique (Trashy Moped)
Duo raises the electro-rock bar
Ghostland Observatory's Robotique Majestique is Freddie Mercury reborn and raised on a healthy diet of Daft Punk, wrecking the decks in a sweaty futuristic lounge on Star Wars' Tatooine. The glam is present because of vocalist Aaron Behrens' groin-jarring howls, but a dark underbelly lurks in Thomas Turner's beats, which are big, littered with rock 'n' roll guitars and drums and a frantic, yet tight, pace. “No Place for Me,” “Freeheart Lover” and “HFM” will get you drenched in your own dancefloor filth. This is what electro-rock should be.
— Jason Jurgens
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
