Customer Reviews

Mess

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

 

 

Fila Brazilla are nothing if not two things, prolific and consistent. Therefore it took little time for the duo to crank out a follow-up to the excellent 1995 "Maim That Tune." Perhaps they ran low on ideas or found the challenge of repeating their prior success too daunting, because this lackluster effort of half-jams falls disappointingly flat.

The first indicator this album is going to be a problem (well, besides the title) is the number of tracks it contains. It seems for lack of solid compositions they would explore 14 different sounds and see what developed. Therefore you get the piano ditty with radio samples of "Big Saddle," an amusing diversion but misplaced as track two. "Half Man Half Granary Thorax" has a nice start but ends within two minutes, left unexplored. There are some highlights among the clutter: the drum and bass with acoustical guitar and piano of "Last of the Red Hot Brethren," or "Space Hearse," which at track three is the first real gem of the bunch, featuring sine wave warbles, a lively bass, and a catchy, keyboard loop.

But most of the album sounds like the band went into the studio and just jammed in their slow, mid-tempo, restrained style they're known for. That's a problem since their work is in electronic music style, meaning if the loops and ideas aren't sound, what could be hypnotic just becomes dull. Granted, the results are decent...for an example of competent playing. This is recommended only for the die-hard Fila Brazilla fan, or those wanting a CD they can throw on and tune out. Otherwise, stick to their Maim That Tune, or for those wanting a really diverse choice, their remix disc Brazillification.

This album was is a very satisfying listening for me. As usual those Pork people don't fail to deliver their special mix of slow beats, d'n'b and warm atmosphere. For standout track listen to "soft music under stars" - evolving ambient track with sitar. PS- the tracklisting on this page is wrong as they missed most of the tracks(the cd has 14)

Fila Brazillia's third full-length, Mess, starts to show the sense of humor that those boys have, with the cheeky samples on the ultra-funky "Big Saddle." "But Momma" goes the beatless route, but "Wavy Gravy" brings it back. The highlight of the album, "Soft Music Under Stars," drifts along on a soft sitar for an utterly blissful experience. "Howard Dan Ryan" stakes its claim with a deep bassline, while "Blood" increases in tempo until it breaks out the breaks. The closing track, "The Return of the Red Hot Brethren" wraps things up with a tough beat and soft melody. A marvelous album.

Fila Brazillia never ceases to amaze with their amalgamation of sounds and various musical genres. It's truly fascinating how they can make a song start off slow and escalate into a groove-fest. This is definitely their signature style which really works well for them. This release is a "Mess" alright, but a pretty one, full of chilled, hypnotic grooves ("Soft Music Under Stars") and the occassional thump of low BPM house ("Space Hearse"). I'm a late bloomer to these guys, but, hey--better late than never! As usual, very good stuff!!

It is very good and gratifying listening to a record like this. I'm righting this note just because people responsible for this work deserve it! It is very nice to see something so true and honest, simple, beautiful and full of life as this record. Perfect sounds everywere as part of a wider picture that tells a delicious colourful story. Very warm record. Like mango (the fruit)... I really appreciate this kind of quality work. This is how it should be done! Congratulations If any of you guys from FB would like to get in touch my email is joao_roquette@ml.com