Rhythm & Sound - Rhythm & Sound

pipecock, Aug 25, 2006

I generally would never consider a compilation of previously released material a true "album". However, this collection fits everything together so perfectly that its hard to imagine this not being a complete statement from Rhythm and Sound. Beginning with "No Partial", which actually sounds more like a convential dub track than anything else on the album, they take dub and electronic music in general deeper than anyone before or since. "Distance" conjurs up the feeling of looking out over the ocean with a grey sky above you and a storm just about to come through. "Smile" is super deep house music with a peaceful message of "when we fight, we lose" with a thick layer of hiss overtop. "Outward" is a darker track that consists of nothing more than a few synth chords, a kick drum, and echo, but it still manages to elicit more emotion than any 10,000 house or techno records. "Carrier" is a warm sounding jam that would be perfect for watching waves while the sun sets. All of this music is deep and expressive despite using minimal elements and broken sounding old equipment. This is essential electronic music.

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