Why is it that a certain strand of faceless electronic music, currently best represented by outfits such as Caribou and Gold Panda, often achieves such a strong media profile? These acts and their kin have their moments - the odd real cracker, in fact - but the impression is given that their classy, considered bedroom noodling is more valid than something equally faceless that's sweatier and more percussive.
It's that old "intelligent electronica" crap that's been lurking around for nigh on two decades like a bad smell wearing designer glasses. In fact, I'm surprised Gold Panda didn't receive a Mercury nod but that's another story. London duo Lazersonic & Zak Frost would never get a Mercury nomination. They lack the vital chin-stroking gene. What they don't lack, happily, is throbbing, mesmeric time-released energy.
Human warmth in electronic music isn't necessarily always writing actual songs and utilising language - it can also be about tuning into the heart of the actual sound, relating to the pulse of mammalian blood. In the case of Adventures in Stereo Vol 1 - a dull and forgettable title, incidentally - the London duo of Irfan Nathoo and Zak Frost create a sound that has the throb of techno dipped into a hot chocolate of dub moods (possibly learnt from their production work with artists such as Riz MC and Busta Rhymes). Like Silicone Soul or very early Leftfield, they make music that, whether the squelch-funk of "Thermionic" or the reggae groove of "Strange", slowly envelops the listener in subtle euphoria. They create a sofa-bound Ecstasy buzz of the sort that may yet have a second wind, the heavily narcotic nine-minute "Levels" being the most blatant. It's music made from the dance floor, if not directly for the dance floor. Put it on late and loud and three tracks down the line you'll be wide awake wondering if there's anywhere still open for a beer or worse.
Listen to "Thermionic"
Download Adventures in Stereo Vol 1 on Amazon
Add comment