I have to echo robin's praise for Metro Area 5
Yes I think this is one of their best releases to date... I think it's
definitely tech-ed up a bit and different than the previous, it's
another step forward for them, artistically. Meaning, they didn't
just make another MA 4. 'Nerves' has these cool metallic sweeping
sounds, and eerie synth stabs later. Yet there's still that pretty real
string feel. And check the very subtle use of horns on it from James
Duncan, nice. (check out his own joints on his LeSysteme imprint). The
whole thing sounds really atmostpheric and future-leaning to me, given
their own unique style of instrumentation.
Proton Candy has so much electronics in it i think, if you want some
techy feel to a house tempo track, really nice deep chords and warmth
this track is just brilliant. Little synth hits and it's sure to bring
a smile to your face and the hands up out on the floor. parts of it
almost recall an early metroplex kind of feel... not literally - but
soundscape-wise and the sonic imagery.. yes.
Morgan and Darshan are trying to stay ahead because (i agree with this
personally) they popularized (and perhaps 'made acceptable') a style
that has a lot of followers and now producers really releasing similar
sounding stuff. OK, some of it different or personalized, but most of
it just kind of feeling copycat or flat once you've heard the
super-high bar of quality of MA. yes there are similar influences to
draw upon, but someone MA does so much more with it.. the whole is so
much greater than the sum of the influences, it's unique. I mean, these
guys are such detail freaks it takes them FOREVER to put out a
12-inch.. and I say it's worth the wait! The attention to every
little sound and detail, texture, effect, the mastering and pressings
too... it rewards close listening. So they nudged their own out style
even a little more.
Always with an ear for the dancefloor, but the kind of composition,
melody, and details that even make you even dance around at home...
they sound just as good unmixed as they do in a thick DJ set.
peace
--
Matt MacQueen
http://SonicSunset.com
