Customer Reviews

Seasons 01

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

 

 

STS9 seems to be evolving. In previous years, they pledged allegiance to a drum & bass/jungle backbeat. That approach makes for a very danceable groove but not every listener can hang with that driving trance-inducing style. The recordings on this double album are a self-described exploration that launch from some of the tunes found on their previous live album (Offered Schematics...).

This is chill-out music in the good sense. It's hard to describe this band in terms of its predecessors or peers because not many bands use both organic and electronic instruments to gain such effect. Clearly, they appreciate the jazz explorations of 70s as I hear the occasional guitar stylings that might belong on a Kenny Burrell or a Headhunters album. The drumming blends drum&bass technique with organic improvisation. Perhaps the best description I can offer for these tracks is that they develop into groovy ambient soundscapes.

I personally enjoy their more mellow excursions. Techo beats just get monotonous for me and these two discs do a fine job of transcending both the jam band and the techno genres by giving the listener an experience that is both artistically pleasing and interesting. Don't expect to shake your rump with this offering but you can let your mind wander free.

Sector 9 is like no other band playing today. Taking ethereal soundscapes, melodic key and guitar stokes, thumping, but not overwhelming basslines and masterful percussion and drums, these gentlemen journey our cosmos. Having over 150+ hours of their live shows in my library I will say this album shines on their more mellow songs. You will find alot of movement at their shows and most people in attendance are absolutely floored by the fluidity and connection between the musicians and fans. The tracks on this album are live samples from their Spring to Winter 2001 United States tour. Expect them to be traveling the world soon (actually they are booked for three nights in Japan and this may be the turning point for the world to know about them). Consider yourself lucky if you have already seen them because they are a hot ticket! The only reason this album didn't get five stars is that they have so much more to offer. For an amazing journey in instrumental music, grab this album, you will be a sector9 fan for life.

If you're interested in checking out STS9 live, this CD is a great place to start. And though it's unavailable here on Amazon, it's not hard to find elsewhere--and well worth the effort (check the band's web site). Jazzy. Spacy. Vibrant. Infectious. Highly recommended.

Music was only music untill the tribe. Music was a big part of my life before i knew about they but now i understand. This is more than just music it is an exploration of sound and conscience. Dont hesitate to give in to the mezmerizing bass lines of the speedy drum lick sit back, TURN ON, TUNE IN and DROP OUT of our world and into the world Sound Tribe creates within their music. Their music weaves perfectly in and out of silence creating a sound that is more than a sound. They use very few words and some how thier music says more that most.

STS9 was playing up in Phoenix and Flagstaff (I'm 120 miles south of Phoenix in Tucson) and I'd heard vaguely of them, but didn't know their music. I went to my old Deadhead standby of bands that let you record their shows and post it for download, as long as no money is involved: [...] (If you're not familiar with the site, check it out! Go to the "browse artists" section of the Live Music Archive.)

Anyway, I found a bunch of STS9 shows, but not a single soundboard. All were audience recordings. I downloaded a few high-rated shows, but I just can't connect with the echo and poor audio quality of most audience recordings. So, I did the next best thing, I went looking at amazon.com.

This seemed to be a good place to start, based on reviews, even if it's not really fully representative of where they are 7 years later... Still, it gave me an idea of what to expect. I had plans and couldn't make the Tempe show, so I was going to haul it some 300 miles up to Flagstaff -- but my son had a date (we "share" my old Toyota Corolla), so being a Dad, I blew off my road trip and let him go out with his date.

It wasn't a total loss. I discovered a new band, and their website offers downloads of live shows, so I'm going to see if I can get the Phoenix and Flagstaff shows downloaded so I can experience them vicariously. Whatever the case, this is great music to go to sleep by and, well, since my son and I are 420 friendly, he's got it on his iPod, too. (I'm an old Deadhead, so I'm cool about some things...and he knows how I feel about other substances that I do not consider "good" for him!)

So, long story short: nice new band I discovered, great audio quality, and now I wait for whenever they come back to the Southwest or over to California, giving me an excuse for a road trip.

Good stuff. Definitely 5 stars!

REVIEW

Songs (Reviewed by stars from one to five, including decimals.):

A Gift for Gaia: 4.75/5

Jebez: 5/5

Ramone & Emiglio: 4.5/5

Satori: 5/5

Good for Everyday: 4.5/5

Equinox: 5/5

Kaya: 4.75/5

Eclipse: 4.5/5

Thread: 4.5/5

Breach: 4/5

My Score: 4.65/5 (Rounds up to five)