Customer Reviews

Radical Connector

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

 

 

If you loved mouse on mars for their dreamy, otherworld melodies then you may be disappointed with "radical connector". If you liked "idiology" then this continues in a less abrasive vein. It's lots and lots of shredded, drilled, pulsating beats but little-to-no melodies. This is mOm's first full length vocal disc and it reminds me quite a bit of super_collider combined with u-ziq's "bilious paths": fat fuzzy bass beats paired with distorted, shredded-to-bits, r'n'b inspired vocals by dodo nkisi (of idiology) and German electronic artist niobe. The shimmering, goosebump inducing melodies of past releases have completely been abandoned but it's not a bad thing. If you really liked idiology then you'll dig this. `spaceship' buzzes along blissfully during it's second half recalling the highlights of idiology. Dodo Nkisi is in top form on `detected beats' recalling some of the best moments of super_collider's "raw digits" and Prince at his prime. `send me shivers' is a standout. It's a commercial ready house gem reminiscent of past mOm jewels like `schnick schnack meltmade' but without the melodies, of course. Don't get me wrong though, some melodies are still here but in a very different, funked out form. `evoke an object' is the perfect close to the disc and maybe one of the best tracks. Possibly due to the vocals and lyrics of niobe whose disc "tse tse" is the most weirdest, avant-garde electronic/jazz/torch song/experimental disc I've ever heard (with the thanks of jan and andi who produced most of it). 'evoke an object' is eight minutes of the lovely, house ready vocals of niobe over reversed synthesizer and pulsating rhythmic beats. Hands down, the niobe tracks are the best. Either you're going to love this or hate this. This is the new sound and shape of mOm. It excites and scares me. Different, but still interesting.

Between "Schnich-schnack," "Evoke An Object" and "Send Me Shivers," MoM is definitely one of the most brilliant sources of listenable music out there today. This is intelligent electronica coupled with the warmth of vocals and the energy of a house immediacy. I don't want to say "beat" because this stuff is far too subtle and innovative to slip into the doldrums of ubiquitous beat manufacture. Look upon it as a touchstone of what the possibilities of sound can do for discriminate listeners. Abstract, yes, but WAY accessible enough as to get your foot tapping and more! Honestly, I cried with joy (what a sap!) when I heard "Send Me Shivers" 'cause of the way it combines luscious vocals with such trippin' deconstructed sound waves. What can I say, it's right up there with the very best of Stereolab.

ANOTHER INSTANT CLASSIC! For over 10 years these boys have brought us nothing but top quality experimental electronic music.. this new album is no exception..Although not as weird as their last few releases, it is just as stimulating for people who are interested in something a little off center...some of this reminds me of Matthew Herbert's stuff mixed with Prefuse 73...but either of those guys would be around without MOM....buy this album and be prepared to take a musical journey to the stars..

There are some very excitable techno tracks on this disc, but it often steps outside the genre with its creativity and exceptional integration of vocals, be they human or computer generated. "Wipe That Sound" is perhaps the most immediately accessible song, although there doesn't appear to be one bad track present. The final track, "Evoke an Object" is also 8 minutes of electronic mastery. This is what I envision music of the future sounding like, and thankfully you can go out and buy it today.

Mouse on Mars has been experimenting with vocals for years, and here, on RADICAL CONNECTOR, they seem to have reached their apex. There's a strong sense of cut-up hip-hop--a la Prefuse 73--here (especially on "All Theh Old Powers"), but the musical sensibility is still all Mouse on Mars, full of electronic squelches and squiggles. Both "Mine is in Yours" and "Wipe That Sound" go for an electro vocoder feel. Their penchant for fun experimentalism invigorates what would otherwise be so-so tracks ("The End." But it's on the more melodic tracks that Mouse on Mars really shines: "Send Me Shivers" goes from a simple vocal melody into a gorgeous harmonizing chorus. "Detected Beats" brings in a momentary horn line that contrasts the fragmented vocals and the reverberating percussion. Always a fun time with the Mouse on Mars boys.

First impressions did this album no justice. It's abrasive and clean simultaneously and the first song almost sounds like a normal song. Don't be fooled. This one is easily as odd and dense as their previous work.

The main difference is the songs tend to be slower and groove oriented (especially compared to Autoditacker and Varcharz). It's a darker sounding album - almost has an industrial vibe. Almost meaning it's very industrial yet still has the playful sound you'd expect from mouse on mars. Sometimes they sample the voice and play with that like it's a rubber band. Abrasive and catchy.

I didn't really like this one at first. It grew on me. Wildly. This one is a truly an excellent album and worth reconsidering.

I'm fairly new to Mouse on Mars...I figured that if I can listen to the manufactured sounds of Matthew Herbert and even the drill n' bass of Amon Tobin, I can give these guys a try. This is some pretty good stuff...very inventive, funky and all around accessible. I first bought "Autoditaker" and was blown away and now "Radical Connector" has come along and made me like this group even more. I love the beats and the alien-like glitches, the subtle and not so subtle changes in textures and the ethereal melodies. Radical Connector doesn't sound at all automated like most CDs of its ilk, in fact there's still a human/organic quality on songs like "Wipe That Sound", "Send Me Shivers", "The End" and "Evoke An Object" where you can hear strings, guitars and good old fashion basslines. Excellent Work, Mouse on Mars!!! You've Got Yourself a New Fan!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but I've been a MoM fan for over ten years now, faithfully absorbing every hint of a nuance of a warble that this crew could fascinate me with, and their latest album, Radical Connector, IS BARELY LISTENABLE! I mean, who are these guys and what have they done with my MoM? I agree with the reviewer (Willinger) who considers this their worst work to date. I hear them on satellite radio from time to time -- only songs from this album -- and it's all I can do to sit there and shake my head in disgust. Don't get me wrong... MoM is, like, a top five all-time favorite of mine... Niun Niggung, for me, is the pinnacle of their amazing, original sound, and Glam is a thing of beauty in its own right. If Radical Connector is the only MoM you know, do yourself a favor and give those a few listens. Once they grow on you a bit, you'll know what these guys are all about (or at least so I thought).

It took me a very long time to break down and write this review, as I feel passionately about MoM's music. But alas, it's time for me to face the music and openly declare my dislike for Radical Connector -- well, the vast majority of it. I won't even waist the time to try to report on diamonds in that rough, even though they do exist... cubic zirconia at least.

As a devoted Mouse on Mars fan who has all of their recordings, I was crushed when I bought this disc. It is so dissapointing- a huge departure from their previous work. While still very inventive, they apply their looped cut-up technique to vocal samples, in an artless way.

Innovative? Yes.
Groundbreaking? Yes.
Painful? Yes.
Listenable? No.

It's just poorly done, and most of MOM's fans agree. If you are new to Mouse On Mars, I'd reccomend Iaora Tahiti, Autoditacker, Idiology or Vulvaland over this. Actually, I'd reccomend ANY of their recordings over this one.