Customer Reviews

New Deal

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A few weeks ago, I went to a concert by the best hip-hop band in the world. I've seen them before, and knew they would deliver an exciting and dynamic set. And they did. However, what really got me excited that night was not the Roots, but a trio of unlikely looking fellows in button-down shirts who were on the stage when I walked into the venue. Like the Roots, this group's MO is to take a genre of music often decried for an excessive reliance on machinery, and to inject it with an incredible level of energy through the exclusive use of live instruments. (...) Even more than the jazz-inflected funk verite of the Root's hip-hop, though, the New Deal's music is something truly unique, perhaps paradoxical: live techno. Using only a drum set, a bass guitar, and a couple of keyboards, the New Deal create what they describe as "progressive breakbeat house." It's odd that a group whose performance philosophy is not unlike that of a post-bop jazz combo - collective improvisation directed by spontaneous nonverbal communication, and reined in only by a groove and perhaps some sense of harmonic direction - should feel compelled to pigeonhole themselves into a sub-genre with such specificity. But that description is a surprisingly accurate one. It just drives the point across that the New Deal aren't some self-indulgent, jam band prone to twenty-minute solos, but a tight ensemble with one undisputable purpose. Forty-five seconds into their self-titled debut studio album, just before a low, sinister disco-throb bursts into stunning syncopated three-four synth-funk, a voice advises "if you've got a pair of headphones, you better get 'em on and get 'em cranked up." I say forget that - drop the 'phones and get on the floor. This is dance music, as infectious and funky as it is clean and precise. It is, indeed, progressive breakbreat house. They do such a good job of imitating electronically created music that it's hard to distinguish anything "live" about their self-titled debut studio recording. It comes across as enjoyable and funky, but essentially deriviate techno. Not to say that it isn't a worthwhile recording on its own merits, independent of process, but ultimately what's special about the New Deal is the fact that they are a live band. Until you witness them in action, you just have to take their word for it. And if you have a chance to see them, do not miss it. Take my word for it. (6/10, but 4/5)

I saw New Deal live, bought the live albums, and then picked up this studio album. [The amazon listing was recently changed to call this "Live", but I think it's like "studio live" rather than "in a club live"] The entertainment value descends in the same order. What I love about these guys is the human energy that comes through into what's typically machine-driven music, and I think some of it got polished out of this effort. Don't get me wrong -- it's still outstanding -- but try this last.

i've heard alot of these guys' live shows, but now that they have released their first studio album, their ready to take over the world! this is an amazing album, really puts everything else on jive electro to shame imo. definitely worth checking out...

This band is incredible.

stop.

This band is incredible.

Really. They are terrific. Its very jazzy and very progressive. Theres a lot of house in this album, but at the same time we get luscious breakbeats. Let me put this another way. Live, there are three of them. Keyboards, guitarist, and drummer. What techno band do you know of that can come up with breakbeat house with those three instruments? Not many. Next question: what breakbeat house bands do you know that can play with Herbie Hancock?

Yeah. I dont know anyone who can do that. Except the new deal. They are an incredible live band. Their studio album is a little different; it lacks the "edgy" sound of the live act, but it is every bit as enjoyable.

If youre looking for house youve found it. Progressive Jass, yep, that too. Even electronicaheads will probably be happy with this album and indeed this band.

I was searching for something different when I bought this album... a new, eclectic sound. A family member recommmended these gents to me. Needless to say, they filled the void. These guys are fresh. live, breakbeat, progressive jazz!! Need I say more. I had a chance to see them last month in Portland, OR after having heard their CD. As expected... it was quite a show. They took the audience away to their planet for a while.

In short, everybody needs a new deal sometimes... and these guys are it.

I've been following the New Deal since their very first days and have never missed a live show that has been within 4 states of me. THESE GUYS ARE AMAZING. If you enjoy the electronic music genre in any way, you'll want to check out this trio. If you had a techno jam band, this would be it. With tons of energy and tight tight TIGHT as hell performance, this is one CD that you cannot afford to miss.

The New Deal is absolutely amazing, and their self-titled album is by far my favorite. The music is a wonderful mix of electronica, and funk, with a little bit of techno in-between. Keep in mind that although this album rocks, it is a little bit chill at times, which is great. The best part about The New Deal is, just when you think you've got their music figured out, they throw in a curve ball and change it up with something fantastic, different, and groovy. I absolutely love this album, and I recommend it to any who are fans of electronica, techno, or just downright good music. Buy this album!

The New Deal is one of the many up and coming electronic music bands. This CD stands as a prime example of why they are becoming so popular. This CD amazing from start to finish taking the listener through tight techno grooves to mellow trippy jams.

The short samples on the site don't do this band justice. I saw these guys on a sample DVD disk at a radioshack(r), and I was blown away. Seeing a recording of them playing live started a frantic search for WHO these guys are, and WHERE i could get their music. According to the sample DVD they were signed to JiveRecords (<sarcasm>of britany spears fame</sarcasm>), but the jiverecords website dosen't list them. It's a DAMN SHAME. This is grade-A trip-funk, sounding like superior electronic house music, but actually -performed-, by a drummer, a bassist, and a guy on keyboards and synth effects (with crazy hunter s. thompson sunglasses). Excellent beats, mind-bending synth effects, and TIGHT drumming.

scientificly precise, and melodic, thank you man. Make a new album and hurry up man....