Customer Reviews

Human Patterns

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

 

 

'Faceless techno bollocks' was a tongue-in-cheek t-shirt sloganthat provoked wry amusement a decade ago. Whilst possessing more thana grain of truth, it is exactly this music that - to my ears, at least - continues to astound and break the new ground with minimal fuss. The best examples are consistently emerging from continental Europe, in the studios of Munich, Vienna and Copenhagen, where the musicians are quietly getting on with the task in hand - namely releasing material that is musically excellent, artistically challenging and almost totally hype-free. By techno, we're not talking banging 4/4 machine music either. How electronic music has moved on! BEANFIELD, from southern Germany, have succeeded in crafting an album that intrigues and beguiles, using an almost symphonic approach, with a tight ensemble juxtaposing lush orchestration with chamber-jazz arrangements featuring strings, flute, Fender Rhodes, string bass and drums. The blend of the electronic and organic has rarely worked better than on Human Patterns (Compost). Just check tracks such as 'The Great Outside' and the title track for a life-affirming breath of fresh air. On 'The Season', the evocative spoken-word vocals of Bajika, calls to mind both Ursula Rucker and Erykah Badu.

The is something afoot in Europe. In Vienna we have Kruder & Dorfmeister and the greatly underrated dZihan & Kamien. Head West to Munich and you will find Beanfield.

Of course, we have Germany to thank for electronica in the first place, with Kraftwerk.

But now these artists, and many others are continuing to push their art to new levels and in the process produce fantastic music.

Latin beats and jazzy rhythms, new tech with old styles, dancey and mellow, experimental and yet very very listenable.

If you like K&D, Beanfield is a safe bet. In fact, you're gonna love it.

The infusion of afro-carribean, latin and brazillian beats into electronic music is an evolution that stirs the heart and the mind. BEANFIELD's "Human Patterns" is a perfect example of how music should be able to transcend the simple repetition of notes and chords. The ability of music to take the listener to a journey of times revisted or places yet to come.

Strong rhythmic percussions are in the forefront of this very danceable album, highlighted by "The Season". A very impressive vocal track that deftly bounces on the edge of spiritual lyrics and rolling music.

This is an album that deserves to be in any serious beathead collection or anyone who is into the new jazz fusion going on in electronic music. It has gotten serious airplay from me since I obtained it.

If you have not heard of Compost Records by now then this album is a perfect introduction to the outernational jazz sound being created by musical maverick Michael Reinboth and crew from Germany. This album spans the globe for inspiration and frequently touches down with Bossa and braziliance. Sunny sounds that have you nodding along and yearning for more. You may have to dig deep to understand where this is going but believe, evolution is not always apparent. Perfect for those who discover then spread the secret with latecomers. Essential. Not to be confused with the boring acid-jazz perpetuators of the early to mid nineties. Check the track Corso in heavy rotation with top Djs across the globe for a quick indication of the new direction in sound.

It's times like this that I wish I had taken a creative writing course so that I could fully and accurately describe how FANTASTIC this CD is. And how new-sounding. There's a Roxy Music song (The Thrill of It All) that talks about "the latest sound"--man, THIS IS IT. I am so happy these guys made this music. I get excited every time I listen to it. I haven't been this excited about a new CD (album) since Bitches Brew or Mahavishnu first came out. Check it out.