Modus Operandi
Issue 216 / December 2006 More from this Issue
Download PDF
A post-apocalyptic wreckage of electronic debris and industrial remains for a reconstructed world
By oneamyseven
Enduser
Pushing Back
Ad Noiseam
Street: 10.16
Enduser = Enduser + Bong-Ra + DJ Hidden + Shadow Huntaz/Kazumi
Clichd elements of drum n’ bass and breakcore are crushed and beaten away on Enduser’s latest, Pushing Back. Knowing that an album can be classified under these genres usually makes for a predictable listen, but not with Enduser. As we’ve already learned from Bollywood Breaks, Enduser breaks out of the elements, showing that abrasive noises can reach delicate, fragile points and include female vocals, MCs and even industrial snarling. In 12 tracks, Enduser’s Lynn Standafer hits both extremes with brutal bass and gentle, gliding synths. "Switched" reverts to the Middle Eastern influence of Bollywood Breaks without repeating what he has done before. Nongenetic from Shadow Huntaz brings his rap skillz to "Positioned," making this my favorite on the disc. "Genesis" showcases the elegant vocals of Kazumi with soft downtempo drum n’ bass. Remixes from DJ Hidden and Bong-Ra pimp out "The Catalyst" and "Pushing Chaos," showing the collaborative effort from many walks of talent on Pushing Back. There’s more to drum n’ bass than caustic, pummeling noise and Enduser shows this by merging skilled songwriting, vocals and a unique approach to the genre. Drumcorps
Grist
Ad Noiseam
Street: 10.16
Drumcorps = Napalm Death + Venetian Snares
It seems that the majority of people I have met who enjoy industrial as much as myself come from either a hardcore/metal background or a synthpoppy place. With Drumcorps, it’s easy to pick out where Aaron Spectre’s roots are. With so many tricks up his sleeve, it’s hard to predict what the notorious Spectre will do next. With his latest project, we learn that he’s got some serious grindcore issues that want to be resolved on his first full-length album, Grist. While I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed metal and/or grindcore, I’m thoroughly impressed with the way this man can bring two genres from seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum into one act. Drumcorps gives noise a new meaning.
And One
Body Pop
Metropolis
Street: 11.07
And One = Depeche Mode + Sex + Synthpop
Synthpop has a reputation for being cheesy and silly—not so much this time. And One gives the synth scene a sexy makeover with their latest, Body Pop. The Germanduo have been at the forefront of the synthpop scene since 1989 and it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get excellent, catchy, danceable hits from them. Similar to their 2004 album, Aggressor, "Mein Anfang" ("My Start") opens with their signature distorted processed piano notes that give us Depeche Mode flashbacks andbookends 10 tracks with "Dein Ende" ("Your Finish"). Crowned as the catchiest track on Body Pop, "Military Fashion Show" lends itself to becoming the next"Deutschmaschine" or "Panzermensch." Sung in both German and English, Body Pop shows that And One haven’t moved past their charm and unforgettable melodies.
By oneamyseven
Enduser
Pushing Back
Ad Noiseam
Street: 10.16
Enduser = Enduser + Bong-Ra + DJ Hidden + Shadow Huntaz/Kazumi
Clichd elements of drum n’ bass and breakcore are crushed and beaten away on Enduser’s latest, Pushing Back. Knowing that an album can be classified under these genres usually makes for a predictable listen, but not with Enduser. As we’ve already learned from Bollywood Breaks, Enduser breaks out of the elements, showing that abrasive noises can reach delicate, fragile points and include female vocals, MCs and even industrial snarling. In 12 tracks, Enduser’s Lynn Standafer hits both extremes with brutal bass and gentle, gliding synths. "Switched" reverts to the Middle Eastern influence of Bollywood Breaks without repeating what he has done before. Nongenetic from Shadow Huntaz brings his rap skillz to "Positioned," making this my favorite on the disc. "Genesis" showcases the elegant vocals of Kazumi with soft downtempo drum n’ bass. Remixes from DJ Hidden and Bong-Ra pimp out "The Catalyst" and "Pushing Chaos," showing the collaborative effort from many walks of talent on Pushing Back. There’s more to drum n’ bass than caustic, pummeling noise and Enduser shows this by merging skilled songwriting, vocals and a unique approach to the genre. Drumcorps
Grist
Ad Noiseam
Street: 10.16
Drumcorps = Napalm Death + Venetian Snares
It seems that the majority of people I have met who enjoy industrial as much as myself come from either a hardcore/metal background or a synthpoppy place. With Drumcorps, it’s easy to pick out where Aaron Spectre’s roots are. With so many tricks up his sleeve, it’s hard to predict what the notorious Spectre will do next. With his latest project, we learn that he’s got some serious grindcore issues that want to be resolved on his first full-length album, Grist. While I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed metal and/or grindcore, I’m thoroughly impressed with the way this man can bring two genres from seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum into one act. Drumcorps gives noise a new meaning.
And One
Body Pop
Metropolis
Street: 11.07
And One = Depeche Mode + Sex + Synthpop
Synthpop has a reputation for being cheesy and silly—not so much this time. And One gives the synth scene a sexy makeover with their latest, Body Pop. The Germanduo have been at the forefront of the synthpop scene since 1989 and it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get excellent, catchy, danceable hits from them. Similar to their 2004 album, Aggressor, "Mein Anfang" ("My Start") opens with their signature distorted processed piano notes that give us Depeche Mode flashbacks andbookends 10 tracks with "Dein Ende" ("Your Finish"). Crowned as the catchiest track on Body Pop, "Military Fashion Show" lends itself to becoming the next"Deutschmaschine" or "Panzermensch." Sung in both German and English, Body Pop shows that And One haven’t moved past their charm and unforgettable melodies.
Page: [1] 2 Next >>
Facebook
Myspace
Twitter
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS
Be the first to comment!
Add a comment
Please keep your comments on the subject of the article.
We will delete your comment if it is racist, misogynistic, sexist, bigoted or just plain lame.
No HTML allowed!