Mylab

Whilst bar studying at Borders, I had a happy run in with a new cd. Wayne Horvitz and Tucker Martine collaborated with many friends to create some of the most fun and provoking tracks I've heard for a while. The sounds gelled suprisingly and beautifully...you come to realize this when you hear a banjo mixed into a trippy keyboard solo.

While Horvitz, along with his keys, likely arranged many of the several instruments involved, Martine serves as electronics specialist. Apparently, they mix turn of the century folk music with the electons and their many friends' instrumental offerings.

Along with the fun of unexpected sound color schemes, I have the hunch the album can be a lasting one. Not, of course, for every occassion...but no album is or should be. This one fits well in a Diesel store, a party, or movie soundtrack (and headphone listening and absorbing, always allowed). It lasts because it is not just a electro-beat album. Indeed, it sometimes seems in conflict with its dueling attitudes of club/loops and melodic/jam-out spells. This is what's so fun. In fact, one track (I can't remember) plays a sort-of off beat super low bass two-beat, as if the techno's on the verge of entering...but it stays at bay, while a beautiful melody insists. Really, quite a fun listen. Check it out is you can.