A new producer that many of you have not heard of but his skills and talent are exceptional and make you think that he is veteran. Who is this producer? What is the album like, read on to find out. Larry Kucharz is a name that probably none of you have ever heard of and he will be new to all of you. Larry Kucharz is a New York based producer who produces different tracks under different genres. This is the first in the series of reviews of his cd’s and the first one is Techno Unit:30. U301 – It starts out with a tapping beat, which reminds me of the sound of a hammer hitting a nail. He throws some strings in, that gives it the minimalist Detroit techno style feel of the mid 90’s. As the song gets going, he adds more layers to the song. It becomes more complex and he adds some effects but he brings them in subtly, not hitting you over the head with it immediately. He takes his time to bring in each and every element, to the point where it becomes extremely layered. About seven minutes into this song, you realize that he is no amateur and he knows what he is doing. It reminds me of the style of Kenny Larkin of the mid 1990’s. U302 – This begins with a bass heavy beat, which I really enjoy. He adds some cymbals then brings in another layer but while keeping the layers that he already has (ie. Bass Heavy Beat). Every so often, you hear a piano key or a keyboard key coming in from the background and it starts to get more frequent. You realize at this very moment, the complexity of his tracks is done purposely to challenge the listener and to give you something different to listen to. Only problem I have with this track, is that it’s too long and eventually it wears on you near the end but pure genius on Larry’s part. U303 – The track begins a bit more minimal then the previous two. He brings in one element then lets it build then adds another element. This time, he goes with snares and hi-hats, which are a nice change and gives more variety. You realize that this stuff is really unique, but he follows the same pattern. He introduces something then lets it build subtly then brings in another element and lets it build and then another element and you end up getting complex layered sonic landscapes. U304 – It begins with a drum sequence, but not fast and he adds some synths but all subtly. You then realize that this song is in almost Pete Namlook style and he has gone into ambient techno for this one. He goes off adding different things (some of which, I have no clue what they are but they sound great). He starts off slowly with everything and lets it sink in, then quietly adds another. You get the impression that he wants to bring the listener in easily, not harshly or too quickly. He takes his time with all his creations, not rushing anything and this is probably why they sound so unique because he is aiming to make the listener feel comfortable. Some would label this “Chillout” but I think it is more in the direction of Ambient Techno. U305 – I’m told that this is apparently a remix of a 1970’s track, which song?, I have no clue. This goes back to the minimal techno direction of the first three tracks. It starts out with a beat then he adds a synth. About half a minute later, he throws in this effect that goes in and out, then throws in a hi-hat. An half a minute after that, he throws in a cymbal, which for those who are keeping score at home is 5. They all come together for the rest of the track. This is layered complexity but it is all done warmly for your ears, so nothing is hitting you in the face. This is a truly layered production. U306 – This starts with a beat with swirling wind noises. You get an ambulance like beat with cymbals next, complex yes this is. This is truly mind boggling, you are still wondering, how does he add all these things and still keep the listener interested and happy? The original beat sounds similar to an early 1970’s Kraftwerks beat and he builds on this beat. He makes all the elements sound cohesive, which I would imagine is not easy to do. U307 – I have been told that this is a remix of a 1982 computer work. Song Seven is more ambient techno than minimalistic techno. It makes use of snares and hi-hats in this and has some cool synths come in and out at certain times. I’m not sure if he made this for a more chilled techno production but it is a nice change. U308 – Out of all the tracks on the album, this is probably the most club friendly track on this album. It begins with a harder beat with a harder edge with it. I could see the song working in a club, if the beat was faster and the bass was heavier but I doubt that was the artist’s intention. The song has this groovy feel to it, which I like and while it is still layered, it is more club friendly. He starts with a bassline and builds around it and adds some hi-hats and snares that give it the mid 1990’s Detroit techno feel, which I like personally. I could see it being used by a number of deejays as a club track but I doubt that Larry means it to be that way. U309 – As the final song on the album, this is hard to describe. This is even more minimal than the other songs. Almost trancy like synths and nothing hits you hard and it is refreshing because this is almost chillout. It is a nice way to end this album. Conclusion: I think that this is a marvel of an album because of the layers in the songs and the complexity. This is an easy listening album because nothing is too harsh on the ears and everything is well thought out. Larry Kucharz is genius at making music and I think you should check this album out. Andy P www.ivibes.nu
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ available from BACKROADS MUSIC toll free (800) 767-4748 available from Amazon.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- Armchair DJ Interview “CLASSICAL TO TECHNO TO CLASSICAL” Larry Kucharz interviewed by Brian J. Dillard complete interview at: http://www.armchairdj.com/handler.asp?/features/interviews/larry_kucharz.asp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- Unit 34: assorted tracks “...techno by a composer rather than a dance producer. The distinction is that one would move your feet and the other would move your brain. ...” (thunderfinger) M station http://www.mstation.org/beatz.php ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
