Harmonic 33 - Music For Film, Television And Radio Volume 1

Harmonic 33 takes film library music and brings it firmly into the future with _Music For Film, Television and Radio, Volume 1_. And while Pritchard and Brinkworth have included -- cheekily -- a short description of each track in the liner notes, those in no way convey the actual content. From the swinging outer space groove of "Optigan" to the whirling funhouse of "Carousel," Harmonic 33 knows how to pack the maximum mood in a short space. The easy listening flows slick with "Bossa Nova Supernova" and "Departure Lounge." If some out-and-out weirdness is the craving, then heads towards "Funky Duck;" if you prefer spy dramas, then "Paranoia" and "Long Shadow" are there for you. Even the shorter pieces, like the archaic and creepy "Marionette" carries its weight well. The album closes with the thoughtful and melancholy "Planet 54" -- it's better that you don't hear these tracks playing behind an image from your television, because they're best heard playing directly into your head.

A truly excellent album in the classic Warp records style. Harmonic 33 is what Warp used to be. Music For Film, Television And Radio Volume 1 is one of the finest albums to come out on Warp since Prefuse 73’s One Word Extinguisher. There’s a world of difference between Extraordinary People and MFTR Vol. 1. Mark Pritchard’s more ambient style presides over Dave Brinkworth ‘s Hip-Hop styling. The entire album flows flawlessly with short piano Marionettes and Space Intervals that sew each together. Opens beautifully with Optigan and ends on an even better note with Planet 54 a 60’s Sci-Fi soundscape. I hope the title means possible future installments because I can’t wait.