Plaid ‎– Not For Threes

If Seph were 2 minutes longer, it would have been my favorite track. The very anti-techno classical instrumentation makes you feel like you are in some basement in Italy. The vocals are mystic and heavenly or underworld-like, whichever you prefer, and in a language I don't recognize. Therefore, Rakimou is my first choice cut. Lilith, with Bjork is also a contender, but her voice is a bit agitating. The other songs sound like an engine that goes caput in old cartoons. Tempos change and beats must be going into 16ths and 32nds, because it borders on Aphex Twin experiments that are faster than jazz drum solos.

One Of plaids best albums ever and with collaborations from Bjork. It shows us how versatile and unique plaid are and contains some of my best plaid trax ever. Headspin is a wonderful journey into Leftfield and the album retains a quirky,unique and addictive essence throught. Any true fans of electronica will probably have this any way but if not it's a recomended release. This would go well on a long dusk walk through a forest.

Rakimou. What a stunning and utterly timeless track. Beautiful, haunting, emotive vocals and a violin accompaniment that sound like some sort of sexy and subtle Gypsy take on mid-90's idm. Proof that Plaid has always been a step ahead and above the techno playing field.

Plaid's first album, NOT FOR THREES, would really set the bar for the rest of their work to follow, with varying degrees of success. After their break from the Black Dog, they continued their with their angular electro IDM, evident right off the bat with "Abla Eedio." "Kortisin," on the other hand, starts off more baroque and stately before it drops to the linoleum. But when "Headspin" comes on, prepare to be blown away by its modal melodies and skittering rhythms. And is that steel drum reggae I hear on "Myopia?" Their use of vocals is careful and masterful: check out Nicolette on “Extork” or, even better, Bjork’s howls on “Lilith.” “Ladyburst” mixes a pastoral melody with a gravelly bassline, while “Rakimou” starts on a Lisa Gerrard-like vocal which haunts the rest of the track. “Ol” is the closest to a 4-to-the-floor beat you’ll get here. By the time the final track “Milh” comes around, you’re ready for another listen. Musically complex and diverse, NOT FOR THREES stands as some of Plaid’s most engaging and successful works.

After hearing a lot of Plaid's early work, I was sort of expecting more of the same...Melodic, synth-heavy dubby electro. Instead, what I heard was different...Playful melodies mix with beautiful ambience on 16 of the best tracks Plaid has ever done. The track "Rakimou" says it all...truly the most wonderful song Plaid has ever done. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it. TEARS, I tell you!
EASILY 10/10 in my book.

Of all Plaid's albums, I still like this one best.
It has a darker, more profound side I find somewhat lacking in their later work (a track like 'Dead Sea' on 'Restproof Clockwork' feels very out of place for me - up to the point where it just seems entirely fake).
Bjork sings here, so does Nicolette. When vocals are used, they're super-high quality. When there are none, they're not missed. Highly recommended throughout since the record can be both playful and moody almost at the same time without their intentions sounding 'dubious'. ('Don't be afraid' is whispered on one of the harder tracks just before the beat kicks in). Very inventive and never farfetched. Prime Plaid!! 9/10