Customer Reviews

Spokes

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I own all of Plaid's released recordings, and know some of their stuff from the Black Dog days. They have truly come very far as a musical group; indeed, they have evolved a lot, without selling out or changing their sound to try to fit in with the times. Spokes proves that Plaid can progress musically while retaining their originality and musical integrity.

Not For Threes was a landmark electronica album as it threw out the typical techno loop-after-identical-loop construction and brought real songwriting into play. Rest Proof Clockwork added a more diverse, even international flavor to Plaid's work. Double Figure increased the computerized, electronic feel, and then the P-Brane EP evened things out by returning a bit of the organic feel to Plaid's music.

Now, Spokes takes Plaid to a new level. I have heard few electronica albums with this kind of intensity. The first song, Even Spring, opens with a haunting melody with a strange vocal progression over the top, and then suddenly bursts into a breakneck-tempo section. It is not simply fast, though -- the progression is originally contructed (5 bars rather than the traditional 4) and throws both screaming melodies over the top and a subtle, gentle melody underneath as it climaxes.

My other favorite song is Cedar City. This is the song I imagine I would hear if I were about to take off into space. Something about this song, whether it be the slightly samba-esqu beat or the soaring melodies, is just completely original. Musical resolutions occur in extremely interesting places that remind me, perhaps inappropriately, of Debussy. That may be a far stretch, but that it what I think of when I hear this album -- just very original music.

The thing is, it doesn't sound like Plaid was going out of their way to be original. It doesn't seem like they were trying. It seems like this was the natural progression for their music to take. Some artists, like Boards of Canada or Autechre, seem to me to be trying to break new ground with the new music they release, yet the harder they try, the further they get from something truly new. Yet Plaid comes along and dishes out the real deal once again.

Anyway, I'm not sure if you'll like this album. It's high energy and very emotional, but it may not be for everyone. If you are remotely interested in the stuff Plaid does, though, I would highly recommend it. Sit down, relax, put on the headphones, and prepare yourself for an intense ride.

It's weird. When I first put this album on I thought it would be an extension of "p-Brane", that is, it would take what was their musical experience from "Double Figure", and add to their sound. I was partially wrong. But what DID happen to my mind and ears was it sounded exactly like PLAID. There are so many eMusic outfits out there, many even more popular than Plaid (and you know who they are) that are taking a direction in the same direction as each other, if you know what I mean. You don't? Well, it is a well-known fact to those that know me that I need more sleep, I guess. But I digress.

With so many other outfits you can almost hear the technology influencing their sound rather then them taking the technology to realize their goals. Plaid manages to do both, in a way, to great effect. Such a spacey, thought provoking, and just cool electronic music results. And it is totally original, because no one sounds like Plaid. Or at least, no one who has made it past my radar that isn't some bedroom laptop musician that has figured out how to duplicate the style. There are plenty of electronic musicians in the IDM/Breakbeat style, but none of them are Plaid, that's for sure.

There is an interview/article on Plaid in the latest "Remix" magazine where they claim that this is the first album they've done which has been totally done on the computer with Emagic's Logic software. You would never know it because it just sounds like Plaid, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. On the other hand, it doesn't take as many stylistic chances by changing direction as much as "Double Figure"; it is more of a continuous flow of very Plaid sounding ideas. Again, not a bad thing, especially when you're working within such a good framework to begin with.

If this is the first Plaid album you buy to check them out, it certainly wouldn't be a bad place to start. This one or "Double Figure" for sure. And then you'll be hooked.

'spokes' is plaid slightly abandoning their warm fuzzy organic sound to experiment in the dark realm of click and cut IDM. The warm feel of 'dang spot' or 'ooh be do' or the laidback vocal downtempo of 'lilith' or 'ralome' are completely missing. Instead, it is replaced by cold computer precision heavily infused with plaid's signature sound. plaid is maturing, morphing their sound from black dog to coming into their own with 'rest proof clockwork' and now to the beyond with 'spokes'.
It's a good start but not every track works.

Many of the tracks are densely layered and, for some, may sound like too much is going on. On further listen, with headphones, in the dark, all the layers, for the most part, come together beautifully. There's an orbital feel to 'spokes' with subtle rhythmic and atmospheric nods to autechre, chris & cosey and aphex twin. Melodies are largely built on simple chord progressions which, for others, may come across as a bit simplistic but it's not. These tracks are complex and part of plaid's appeal lies in making the most complex track appear simple. However, if plaid's music is so simple then why doesn't anyone else sound like them?

'even spring' deceptively starts off like typically beautiful downtempo plaid. Tinkling melodies and goosebump inducing vocals beautifully meander for two minutes before exploding into a cacophony of bloppy beats. Unfortunately the bloppy beats are a bit sloppy and sound like something I've done on my music generator for playstation. Sadly, outside of the beautiful intro, this track does not come together well and when it ends, seems a bit unfinished. My least favorite track.

'crumax rins', begins with warm vibrating synthesizers and crunchy tin can percussion. Then a fuzzy beat, some hi-hats and a simplistic xylophone chord progression melody kick in. When the synthesized bass rhythm begins I'm transported into orbital territory. Very good track.

'upona' starts with crunchy static and an underlying rhythm that sounds a bit like chris + cosey's 'the giant's feet'. Gurgling synthesizers, alien melodies and more crunchy noises set in until eventually everything reaches a crescendo creating a wall of crunchy sound and weird screechy rhythms. Another very good track.

'zeal', one of the definite highlights and my favorite, starts with a creepy ambient intro similar to an aphex twin track (think 'afx237 v.7' from drukqs), then breaks into plaid's trademark beats and melodies and suddenly shifts halfway through into percussive elements similar to autechre (think of the second percussive half of 'under BOAC' from LP5). This tracks works and works really well.

'cedar city' seems to be liked the most by reviewers and understandably so. This is the only track that, from beginning to end, consistently sounds like past plaid. Good but done better on past releases.

I find 'b born droid' and 'get what you gave' don't work for me. 'b born droid' because it's too slow and I'm not fond of cheesy plucked strings. 'get what you gave' because it harkens back to the reggae tinged steel drum tracks of 'not for threes'. Although both tracks are good in their own right, neither one seems to fit with the dark click and cut atmosphere of the rest.

'marry' is another track that opens with a creepy ambient intro as a deep bassline starts in the background before a tight uptempo beat carries you away. The inevitable chord progression melody begins its build-up but this time complimented with matching piano. The track closes with fuzzy waves of ambient distortion. Another of my favorite tracks.

'spokes' closes with two back-to-back crunchy beat masterpieces.

'buns' begins with drippy sounding beeps before bursting into a manic breakbeat rhythm with some of the coolest feedback distortion breaks I've heard. This slowly builds to a final break that calms things down as a new melody takes over, taking you down oh so nicely. Another favorite.

'quick emix' is the perfect close to the disc. A heavy autechre-like snare beat gets the rhythm going as clicks and chirps bounce from ear to ear and an ominous bass line makes its presence known. Bubbly percussion and weird noises abound. For me this track brings to mind orbital and as one reviewer stated, it's tight as hell. It's a tie between this and 'zeal' for my favorite track.

Really, trying to describe these tracks are pretty pointless. You have to experience this for yourself. plaid's fan base may be a bit divided on this release because plaid is definitely moving into new territory. I wasn't sure what to make of 'spokes' when I first heard it but if you take it for what it is, multi-layered slow build dark electronica with plaid's distinctive stamp you should enjoy it. It isn't disappointing at all. It's hard for me to think of this as plaid but it's a brilliant refreshing change in their sound.

Why do I get the same feeling when I listen to the new Plaid as I did when Orbital was in their prime? Maybe because the same brilliant keys, synths, and beats are there suggesting the same mysteries. This is a couple of songs short of a classic. There is enough magic here to keep your imagination swimming for a long time-.

.

Attention: Plaid Spokes may bring you to a place you've never been.
You may not want to return. Remember my words.
Spokes is magical music. It can be tender and haunting, beautiful and distant. At the same time it is quick, superintelligent and joyous.
To me - it's on top 5 of the best-ever list.
.

Have you thought of places where everything is the way you want it to be, and even better?Well, Plaid carry you(me) away there.

It's a transporting music. Plaid offer you the best possible trip ever imagined. Body and soul. Out there and back, inwards
and again outwards to the farthest brims of universe. Look at the name - Spokes. Plaid give you a chance to repeatingly go
and return. From the center to the boundaries and back... Cycling movements in a continuously revolving wheel.

They are beautiful, meditative, melancholic.... and at the same time joyous and dynamically exploring. There is so much light
in their music.

For best experience I highly recommend you to use your headphones or a good surround/ home theater system. At night! If you load it on your computer, watch it visualised on your musical playback software.

Plaid develop and use extremely specific sets of synths and percussion that make your listening quite an experience. Slow
distant melodies interweave with fast patterns of tiniest beeps and drops and filtered drums that create an overwhelming
multilayered environment. Rich, engulfing and energizing - both on a rhythm- and on a melody level. Randomized beats and
strange chord progressions lead you to spiritual places you've hardly visited.

If you are a musical maniac and find new exciting things only in intelligent dance music and experimental electro stuff, just
get Plaid Spokes and see what they've come upon on their way to extra-bodily and extra-planetary greatness.
Speaking of advanced music - if there is anything modern music should be ... that's it. Spokes. Plaid are pushing the limits
of intelligence and imagination.

If you are new to this kind of IDM/WARP music, start with Plaid 'cause they give a softer and gentler feel than Autechre,
Aphex Twin or Squarepusher. While compared to Boards Of Canada, they give you more dynamics and exultation. Even in the
fields of experimental music *They* (alone) guard and serve Beauty and Good.

Spokes show some unreached heights, even for Plaid - just imagine what pioneers meet when going farther.

Favorites: Even Spring , Upona, Mary, Cedar City .

Killer Track: Cedar City Definitely! THIS plugs you out of your spine and really sends you with a delirious explosive kick
through a loophole of life-time-space! Listen Loud!

I can't help it - Plaid are the best possible music ever.
Get the goosebumps on a distant travel. Plaid Spokes are (out) there for you.
Remember: You may not want to go back! But you must, 'cause it's Spokes.

this album seems to harken back to ed and andy's old days with the black dog, though with an updated, more polished feel. moreso than previous plaid releases, "spokes" has a continuous sound that flows from each track to another. very different from "double figure" or "not for threes", in which each track stands on its own, some as great singles, others not so memorable ('rakimou' and 'new family' are two of the best songs ever written, imho). but with "spokes", each track is only part of the whole. 'marry' and 'zeal' have their moments, but no track really stands out much more than another. taken as a complete album, however, they are very effective. the differences between each of plaid's albums are so great that it makes it hard for me to compare them at all, each having their strengths. in general, "spokes" has a darker sound, lacking the playfulness of previous plaid work. the melodies are still there, but this time they're more layered and "implied" (if that makes any sense), and it might take a few more listenings to get into this release compared to the earlier albums. but this ability to produce such a variety of moods, while still being plaid, is what gives plaid their longevity and makes them such an influential band.

fans of plaid would also enjoy any of dutch artist kettel's releases ("dreim", "smiling little cow", "ha ha ha look at this", etc.), sadly absent on amazon.

This instantly became my favourite Plaid album. A lot of older Plaid work sounded more simple and sometimes minimal, but Plaid sounds HUGE on this album. The melodies are often layered in a way that its almost too much. The percussion and melodies are also broken up and varied in each piece, keeping your attention and making you anticipate how much better the song will get. There are a few tracks that are lacking on here, but most of the music on here can only be described as intense.

I think a few Plaid fans may be turned off by this album. It does not have the playful feel of Not for Threes. I felt that Rest Proof Clockwork and the P-Brain EP was some of their better work, while Double Figure was almost as good but a little too dark and boring at times. Spokes is anything but boring, and is a fine album for someone new to Plaid or a fan.

In my opinion this album is way superior to double figure. It is more consistant in both quality and sound(with the possible exception of 'Get what you gave').
Even spring is immense from start to finish. It seems a little disjointed at first but the latter half of the song builds some beautifully simple melodies over what seems like a stumbling, clumsy beat.
B Born droid has been criticized for being a little too plucky and synthy, but it really does work.
Marry is an outstanding track, defininately my favourate.
This album can't really be compared to 'not for threes' or 'rest proof clockwork' because the sound is so different. This album seems a bit cold at first, but the melodies are fantastic with beats to match.

but presently as i listen to plaid's newest offering it falls short of all the rest of their backcatalogue. 'Double Figure' was dreamy perfection. 'P-brane' was incredible and hinted at what i hoped was yet to come. 'Parts in the Post', although a remix disc, played like a full length double CD of fresh plaid material. But 'Spokes' is simply mediocre at only ten tracks long. each track is promising but seems like it's missing something. 'even spring' starts of beautifully and dreamy, then the beats set in but they go NOWHERE. Maybe this will grow on me but right now, not a single track sticks out.

This isn't a bad disc. It's still typical plaid. the beautiful melodies are still here. The rhythmic percussion is still here. The brilliant beats are still here, but it all seems a bit simpler than before, as if ed and andy half heartedly put this together. maybe they're breaking up. if you like plaid you'll like this. i like plaid and i like this disc but after the sheer wizardary of 'P-Brane' and the remix brilliance of 'Parts...' i find myself a bit crestfallen over 'Spokes'. Just a bit but I haven't lost faith.

"Spokes" is a divergence from Plaid's earlier more straightforward and simplistic sound. While not immediately as catchy or danceable as some of its predecessors, Spokes has a depth of production and a wider, more nebulous canopy of sound which makes it more dimensional--yet somehow more unified. Yes, Spokes has a quality such that each track is completely representative of Spokes as a whole, and no track from any other album would fit on Spokes. The album has a flow and a feeling of constant energy, as if each track is a spoke of a turning wheel. The standout track of the album for me is Zeal, which is a complex, multilayered, and absolutely beautiful piece of intelligent audio engineering. The chords throughout this track, and others on the album, do not follow any common musical progressions but have a new and original mind of their own, following more complicated patterns yet managing to maintain an emotional balance. This album may be slightly less accessible than other Plaid albums, but for the true audiophile and critical listener, I recommend it above all other Plaid albums.