Customer Reviews

Breakbeat Science Exercise 5

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If one were to compare music to art, I think there's a valid analogy to be made between some music and some different movements. There's a strong similarity between the songs in Exercise 5 and Abstract art. The same can be said for a lot of d'n'b but especially this colleciton.

Abstract pieces often lack a central focus, with seemingly random elements left open to interpretation. Of course, as any art student knows, there's still a lot of meaning to be found in these pieces, despite the lack of a central subject matter. Exercise 5 takes a fair amount of digestion to start to appreciate it. The songs become more interesting with more listening. They're all fairly mellow, but the mix is soured by some very disjointed songs that are a void of mindless repetition. 'Love Session' is such a track. On the other hand, there are some great songs that will leave you wanting to hear them again and again. 'Steel' by Seba is one of the coolest songs I've heard in a while. The vocals will haunt you.

One small dissapointment in the album is the inclusion of Klute's 'Oshima' which isn't even a remix. Surely everyone has a copy of 'Lie Cheat & Steal', released two years ago, one of the best d'n'b albums to date. Why was this song thrown in?

In any case, eight bucks is a reasonable price to pay for a full length sampling of some chill and abstract d'n'b, which includes some very memorable tracks.

Unlike that guy a few reviews down, I tend to get excited over anything Clever. After all, the Offshore compilation is one of my favorite Drum n' Bass mixes ever (and partially due to Clever's spectacular mixing). When I found out about this mix last year, I definitely waited with baited breath for its release. What I got out of the mix wasn't quite as strong as his Offshore mix (but then again, that source material also coming into play), but definitely a solid, left field drum n' bass mix.

Immediately noticable about this over his previous mix is that it seems to be much more dance floor aimed this time around. Not so much that you'll hear farty bass blasts or space-age rave synths (both not bad thing mind you) but its certainly more straightforward this time around. Clever starts things off on the right foot with with majestic aggressor Off the Market, another strong showing for his label. Cujo's contribution is more straightforward in its structure, but its techno derived synths and punchy bass make it a worthwhile track. Infact, the first half or so of the disc is outstanding. Graphic, Mav & Twister, and DB & Stakka (as Ror-Shak) all make stunningly original and quality tracks. Its just somewhere in the middle, the mix seems to loose some of its weight. I'm still not a huge fan of the Deep Blue/Omni Trio track (Black Rain). Amit, despite some neat vibe, also feels a bit light weight. And while normally I love Pieter K, his contribution here, well I just don't care for it really. However, Clever picks things up again with Controlled Substance and intro-ing it into the can't miss combination of Seba and Robert Manos, in one of their most emtionally profound tracks yet. From their, Clever brings the mix back down again into more ambient territory. This time with some stronger tracks (the Tundra and Coral remix are really good). But while the selection this time around isn't quite as strong, Clever still nevertheless stiches everthing together seemlessly. There are some terrifc blends that seemingly last for ages but feel so natural in their placement. Clever most definitely has the skills to pay the bills.

To basically sum everything up. Great begining. Good end. Soggy middle. But terrific mixing all the way around. And you can't go wrong with that price (or artwork for that matter).

Pretty experimental/abstract. Once I got it, it really grew on me. Solid mix!

As being a huge fan of Clever, I always appreciate his thought process that goes into track selections for a mix, as well as the mix itself. However, Breakbeat Science: Exercise 5 was a little awkward for me. I thought the tracks overall were pretty good, but the mix itself was where I was having trouble. At times it felt too rushed & really good songs went by too fast & the mediocre ones were hanging around too long. I would though (in the end), recommend this mix; if you played this for anyone who had never heard Clever before, they would definetly ask who it is...you know? Check out Troubled Waters & a June issue of "Knowledge" magazine (there's a FREE Clever mix with that issue & it's solid).

Its not your typical dnb cd, which i respect, it has more of an Aphex twin style to it, I dont know whether to say yeh or naw, its got its up and downs in my book. unique styling though, grungy and kinda hard, ive heard better mixes from clever though....

Right when i popped this cd in I sensed a very futuristic feel to this album. Although this CD from Clever features many basic 2-step patterns in the beats, there is much filler through quick mixing and a showcase of many styles. It all still had a futuristic feel with some of my favorite cuts like - the static 2-step beats of 'Time Traveller', the space-like acid twitter melodies of 'The Tubes', the free feeling melody of 'Oshima', and the heat of 'Smoking Man' and its quick shuffles into 'Steel' with its Rastafarian vocal and changing hats. The ending is amazing through the last three cuts with some IDM/DnB in 'Love Session' to calming synths of 'Deep Sleep' and the abrasive yet funky basslines of 'Coral'. This CD is very relaxed in a way with lots of melody and easy-going beats with lots of FX over them. You still will want to nod your head when listening though. A good Buy!

as far as drum and bass cds go this cd was terrible very boring and anything with clever on the cover im going to stay far away from nuff said.