Search - Bola :: Shapes

An interesting collection of Bola's minor works

Steward Willons | Illinois | 04/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Shapes" is a reissue of sorts. It was originally a triple 12" release with no label or artist - only geometric shapes to represent the titles. Since Amazon doesn't include a track list, here's the line up:



1. Fonk (Flower)

2. Pula Kappas (Square)

3. Ballast (Triangle)

4. Zephyr (Pentagon)

5. Clockjerk (Trapezoid)

6. Forcasa2.2 (Oval)

7. Serge2 (Octagon)

8. Cobalt (Scope)

9. Squib (Nuclear)



From my own research, I believe the original 3x12" vinyl release was as follows:



A. Square

B. Octagon

C. Trapezoid

D. Oval

E. Pentagon

F. Triangle



Thus, it would seem that Bola added three more tracks to round out the CD. It's not my favorite Bola album, but it's not by any means. I'm not sure that Bola originally intended for a wide-spread release evidenced by the limited edition (300 copies) release that the original saw. It seems that Darren Fitton didn't initially intend for these to go out with his "Bola" name on them, so I'm more inclined to think he was experimenting here and that's why some of the tracks are weaker than others.



There are some great moments though. Fonk, the opener, is one of my favorite Bola tracks ever. Triangle is also pretty great. The strong tracks definitely make this worth picking up for all but the most casual of Bola fans. Don't make this your first Bola album, but if you have the rest, this is a great addition to your collection. Nobody does melodic, tuneful IDM quite like Bola."

Good compilation of older material

Philip Downey | 01/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a compilation of the Shapes ep, which was released on horribly limited vinyl in the 1990s. The six tracks are reissued here, plus one that was on a Vertical Form compilation, and two new ones.



I like it. Some of the tracks are great, others are average. A worthwhile purchase."