Pushmipulyu - 133 Thursdays
J. Jury | London | 04/19/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"STYLE
This is a bright, light hearted collection of beaty instrumentals with a couple of understated male vocal tracks interspersed. To pin a style on the album would be difficult since Pushmipulyu draw on a variety of sources - the presence of brass or tinkling vibes at times suggest bluesy/jazzy influences - there are lively tracks that drop a night time party straight into your ears - flowing synths that linger in cinematic restraint - electronic effects and urban attitudes - psychedelic trance leanings that occasionally bubble up to the surface. In addition to the keyboards and electronic craft of the writers, guitars, trumpets, sax, assorted brass, harmonica, and vibes bring their own identities into the mix.
MOOD
The mood is in constant flux throughout 133 Thursdays - the compositions unfettered by fixing a single choice of approach. As the whim at the time carried the writing, the music naturally wanders from one genre into another - there is however a powerful unity to the album. Perhaps the fact that the music was conceived and put together at night explains the strong nocturnal atmosphere. The seductive inspiration of the city also breathes through most tracks - a subtle ever-present under-the-surface urban tone. There is a live performance feel to much of the music, the programming mostly transparent. For the most part this is twinkling, uplifting album of unself-conscious joy.
ARTWORK
Long exposure night time photographs fill most panels of this jewel case presentation - fluid streams of light mark the passage of nocturnal traffic - urban backdrops bathed in yellow street light - graffiti and street markings brightly illuminated. Other images capture more intimate moments - a crumpled page of handwritten lyrics - the photographer's own feet on a sofa - a lonely rural landscape. The sole tracklist appears on the rear of the package, thanks and credits inside the eight page booklet.
OVERALL
133 Thursdays is the debut release from this London UK based project. Pushmipulyu is primarily the partnership Steve Rowlands (previously part of Full Moon Scientist) and Michael Sassen (co founder of Megadog), the name suggestive of the duo's different musical directions. The pair is ably supported on the album by a considerable number of additional musicians and vocalists. Released on Interchill Records, this is a true melting pot of styles and influences - there are hints of psychedelic trance, progressive rock, jazzy elements, chillout, lounge and electro.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Coming from the well known Interchill label 133 Thursdays both fits within the label's established territory and at the same time breaks the boundaries. If you enjoy Interchill's general output, especially if you appreciate urban or nu jazz influences, this CD is well worth exploring. If you want something to transport you into the night, or music to enhance the night this is for you. The band has clips to sample on their website and are also resident at Myspace.
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Track Listings (10) - Disc #1