Customer Reviews

Via Nostra

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

 

 

I have a confession to make: I'm just not very fond of that category of electronica known as "Drum 'n' Bass." It just doesn't quite make me go HMMMM. If I WAS as fond of Drum 'n' Bass as many people apparently are, I probably would give this CD 5 stars. Be aware that this latest effort from Sun Electic is exactly as the previous reviewers say: It's jazzier, more percussion-driven. It's definitely edgier than their earlier CD "Present," a CD I DEARLY love. My first exposure to Sun Electric was on the MTV electronica video program "AMP," during which the track "Meccano" was augmented by some particularly trippy computer animation. I was immediately hooked. And when I purchased the Sun Electic CD "Present" from Amazon and gave it a listen, I knew it was money well-spent. A previous reviewer says "Via Nostra" is not as mellow as "Present," and I must agree. Not that there are some really interesting tracks here; I particularly enjoyed "Things You Like to Hear" and the playful "Sierra." I just would have preferred something a bit more relaxing. Maybe I'm just getting old.

This is Sun Electric at their jazziest, I think. They've taken the mellow feel of previous releases, such as "Aaah!", and wrapped it all around a bit of breakbeat, a touch of funk, and come up with something very nice for the afterhours and home-listening set. Those expecting the more trancy styles found on their earlier CDs might be in for a surprise, but this certainly doesn't disappoint. Definitely one for those looking for a more laid-back and mellow electronic sound with a groove, as well as those into the jazz scene who've got a bit of an adventuresome sensibility.

This is a brilliant album- this and "Present" are possibly the greatest electronic albums of all time. 'Tortuga' and 'Sierra" remind me of Zawinul's work in the mid-80's; Sun Electric has a completely different way of seeing the world.