PURE GOLD
J. Lomax | Westchester, NY United States | 12/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't think I gave this a full review yet. I'm a big fan of artist albums as opposed to DJ mixes, since they portray the 'creative' side of an entity (DJ, group, DJ/producer, etc...) in their entirety. Take Way Out West's Intensify and later, Don't Look Now...Nuclear Ramjet's Music for Spaceports, or Bonobo's Animal Magic, or Sasha's Airdrawndagger, or Tilt's Explorer (all must-have masterpieces, btw).
John Digweed's Bedrock label has been bringing us quality electronica for a while now, and has released some ace compliations featuring unmixed creations by affiliated artists, but never has it released an artist album with all the tracks created by one artist/group. Enter Benoit Franquet, also known as the Pole Folder - best known before this release for his and CP's Apollo Vibes...a track that opened Digweed's epic GU: LA set.
I always figured he was dark from the few tracks (originals and remixes of others) he's done, but I never suspected he'd be this this dark. Add to that a decent drop in BPM (compared to his normal stuff) for some of the songs, and it's even darker. Lucky for us, he cared enough to call upon gifted sirens such as Kirsty Hawkshaw to lend their vocals.
I'm rambling, so let me get to the point. This album is PURE GOLD. 25 karat...yeah, I said 25. Don't expect it to be the dance-anthem laden outing of the year, because you'll be sorely disappointed. I hate the coin 'IDM' as much as any other e-music head, but if we have to use it, this definitely applies. Intelligent dance music...even though a lot of it isn't exactly danceable.
I'm not very good at describing people (I'd be stuck if someone robbed me or something...and I needed to give a description). Similarly, I'm not very good at describing songs. Instead, see what I mean for yourself when you hear "Salvation on Slavery Sins"
This has now become my favorite song on the album. I was planning on opening up my next recorded mix with it, but Hernan Cattaneo beat me to it. Hey, but I feel good a prominent DJ such as he would think alike there :wink:
Check it out, and become addicted. Buy it...
This is THE album of 2005, overall"