Man, you've really fined tuned and polished this one haven't you? My earlier review still stands, however you've pushed this on into a place where I am compelled to favorite it.
I think your understanding (conscious or otherwise) of textures and timbre is what really sets this over the top. It's the Ambient sensibility applied to Trance music that really sets this apart.
Redder than red. You've got a signature thang happening with dub, jahknow - almost like Circe du Soleil on dubbification. I mean this in the most flattering way. There's an edginess even within the the happy positive vibes.
Masterfully done. Added to favorites without hesitation. Will be dancing before the throne again, and again!
In West Africa, Shango (the deity of thunder & lightening) carries a double headed ax. Devotees of this deity seek personal self control. Though this one's inspired by Greek mythology, I can't hear it without thinking of the modern parallels.
You've really created a soundscape that "feels" like an approaching thunderstorm here. The use of reversed sounds gives the impression of building static, and the breaks you use in the percussion really drive home the sense of tension.
Excellent work! I look forward to following your evolution with this medium, and certainly hope you draw from more mythology for further inspiration. Cheers!
Man, thanks for reviewing my track - I hadn't noticed you before, and after hearing this one, I'm delighted to know you're here!
I love that you've gone to mythology for inspiration here. I really love how you've found the archetypal similarities between Thor and Hephaestus (not too many of us know about this one!) and interpreted this with a kind of fusion approach. The bass line, and steady rhythm really push forward the imagery you've drawn from. Very inspired and makes for a compelling listen as well.
What I really love is how you've brought this into a contemporary representation. The instrument/sound choices are all very modern, and yet convey the idea of your inspiration spot on.
Added to favorites. I'll be listening to this one again and again!
Thanks for the comment. I just appreciate music. There are a few mythology minded people out there and I am glad that I met another one. This track really speaks to me. Thanks again bruh,
So going for a more Classical approach these days I see (lol). My god man, this is perhaps the most original and provocative thing I've heard in the last year (perhaps more).
Heavy Ethnic? Hybrid MetaJazz?
You haven't rattled the cages of genre here, you've undermined the foundations. Amazing.
Not often you'll find me at an utter loss for words, but at this moment language is totally failing. I'll be back with a post-script here, as the attempt will have to be made. I am totally blown away.
Thanks Sean..maybe this could be classed as Subcontinent Groove! lol..if my favourite category were listed,as in "Jazz Rock"..everything I do would be filed under that banner...for some weird reason and not through any reticence on my part..all my entreaties to have this genre included have been ignored! lol..there is Jazz there is Rock...there's a world of difference in Jazz Rock...hahaha it's my pet annoyance in the genre lists...cheers mate Dave :)
Suddenly having an urge to bang my head! Good repetition here, that's for sure. Like John Lennon said, no repetition, no rock.
Love that minimal lead, though I wonder if it might not be brought down a bit in the mix. I've only got headphones to listen with here, but it does stand out perhaps a little more than what I think you want?
thanks nomad23 ive been wathching you on the forums and you are normaly right on. ill check into lowering the lead. thanks and much respect! ok lowerd the lead and you are right i think it sonds better this way thanks..
I think there needs to be a special genre here - "rei4real music."
You continually transcend genres with your creations. There are the identifiable elements, but this could be classified in many different genres and each would be equally as valid.
On several occasions in the forums I've written that music is an emotional language. You take it to a new level, as it's really emotional aggregates you bring forth. Like poetry in abstract/logical language, you're able to convey more in a single melody phrase than should be possible with the notes involved. If it were medicine, I'd call it a type of synergy - where the sum total exceeds the elements involved.
Rei, my friend, I'm so glad you've returned to this community. It's a true honor sharing this space with you. Added to personal favorites.
haha ... well, if I should get my own genre, then you would deserve to get your own "featured reviewers box" together with planetjazzbass ... your reviews are always a pleasure to read!!
thousand thx Sean!!
Sometimes taking time away from things is exactly what the creative process needs. Listening to this one from you makes me even more convinced of this.
I really love that this is "siensystem Trance" and not compelled by formulaic genre expectations. It makes it really interesting, and authentically vital. A piece of music that was compelled to be created makes for very compelling music. Kudos.
To my ears, this is infused with the vibe and sensibilities of the first wave of Acid House and Rave music that came out of the UK. There's a certain underground sensibility driving this that transcends the current genre. Very smart to make it more for listening than clubbing.
The arrangement and production here is top-notch. Absolutely brilliant work and worthy of the praise it's going to continue getting.
I'm so glad your back, and making music siensystem!
Hey n0mad! Thanks for coming by. I greatly appreciate it! Thanks for the great comments. I have really tried to take trance to the next level (which maybe not). I mean, I know it still has a "trance"-(as defined by known genre) form, but one thing I do allot is sfx and add a more progressive feeling with a bit of experimentation (especially the melody at 4m45s). I've always wanted to add a bit of glitch to trance and this was the perfect opportunity. Anyway, thanks so much for your kind words.
You know, I've played around a bit with Hydrogen and suspected that in the right hands it would be more than adequate.
Your musical sensibilities are really great, and made even better that you've got the skills to implement them! The arrangement here is spot on, and if I was mixing this I don't think I would have done anything differently. The levels of everything are perfect!
What I love the most is how you've captured both the spirit and sound of olde skool funk, but dynamically jacked it into this century. That's truly amazing. Add my name to the list of favorites here!
hey man, thx for grabbing this old tune out ... I haven't listened to it for a pretty long time, and I'm surprised that I still like it ... like you said, there's nothing I want to change (which isn't usually the case if I listen to old tracks of mine ... lol)
thank you!!
peace, rei
I'm still trying to figure out what it is about Canadian men and guitars. Some of the finest in the world up there, aye?
I love the interplay between the electric and acoustic guitar here - it's almost (almost) like a dance between the howl of a bagpipe and a Spanish guitar.
Good stuff (though, this Kilpatrick prefers his beer as thick and dark as a midnight sky). Och, a fine tune indeed.
Dude - It is what it is, but in my ears you transcend the genre somehow. I'm guessing I'm not the only one either, judging by how many reviews this has gotten in such a short time. (The first verse is my favorite here, too - no surprise).
You've got riddim, brother. You get it. Whether you know it or not doesn't really matter, because the way your voice dances to the beat is HAPPENING. The arrangement here is spot on.
Yup - you're officially one of my favorite 3 hip hop artists on the site. For true. Keep delivering up such fine stuff!
Devodale is such an asset in every sense of the word, isn't he? He does a weekly streaming radio show on Mixposure.com starting 4 PM (PST) on Fridays should you want to hear his voice - lol (hope you see my plug here sometime, Dale).
First, I've just got to say hearing your own development is amazing! I really liked your Tudor track (the first I heard), but comparing the two is really a trip! You've gotten really good at this medium! And it's been such a short time as well.
On my second listen, I keep trying to hear this with the "if this track was mine" lens to offer up some constructive criticism. On the one hand, I'd love to hear a solo melody, perhaps in strings (guitar, cello, sitar?) floating in and out of this, HOWEVER I'm pretty sure that if you did that, you'd lose the wonderful Chillout qualities going for this one. It would become something different, and I'm not really sure that's serving the music in this case.
Chillout really is a happy vibe sub-genre of Ambient, and what you do here really emphasizes these characteristics. I can't imagine still feeling stressed out after having this track as a sonic tonic.
Wow Nomad! I wasn't expecting this kind of review...I have been searching for a genre in which I can consistantly perform well. I believe you have nailed it down for me. Thank you for inspiring me yet again.
You come at Ambient from the Post-Industrial branch, don't you? I love how so much of your work is really the counter-balance to Chillout, as I don't think too many personality types could chill out to this!
It does really pull up the deep contemplation vibe. Makes me want to think about things, and with the title, specifically about loneliness. Alienation within the largest of crowds. Cool how you've captured that.
Have you ever listened to Test Dept.? Their heavy drumming and percussion sense is to me how far percussion can go and still remain in the realm of soundscapes.
unconsciously im always a bit industrial, is suppose it's my dad's fault partially; he was always into industrial. your right that not many could chill to this. in a sense, it also conveys failure, because the original intention was to define beauty, it's title was to reflect that, but it instead reflected the feeling of loneliness
You know, I discovered the ultra-shy Minette only during the 2009 All Genre Comp, and my impression then was she sounded so much like Siouxsie Sioux (Creatures and Siouxsie and the Banshies). Your use of her `pella here totally reinforces that for me once again.
Love the little wet licking sounds woven through this! Texture...ah.
The live approach cannot be beat if you're one of those that does it this way (I do!).
Very cool that you've brought a kind of Dubstep sensibility into a more roots driven Dub piece. I agree with Spivkurl about the placement of the vocals - almost like they're another instrument in the mix. Very nice!
lives the way for me! yes i tried to kinda merge old style and the new school a bit. i wanted to give it that real vintage sound, hence the graininess. still not sure if i went overboard on the bass. i dont have super expensive monitors or headphones but it sounds about right on what i got.
I'm all for the unbridled and unrestricted fornication of household electronics. And if their progeny are going to make joyous racket like this, I say let's make some space for their activities!
I do believe this is in the top 3 most interesting Dubstep tracks I've ever heard. Is it just me, or do others hear optimism dripping through the spaces between the sounds in this one? Far-F***ing-Out!
Added to faves (perhaps the first Dubstep entry there, too!).
Thanks for this. Downloaded and added to my laptop's playlist.
What, no "putting a banana in your Speedo" for maximum first impression effect? I'm thinking we might need a "BOOB" or "Bolt Out Of the Blue" genre, as this completely came from left field!
I haven't laughed listening to a track for the first time like this in AGES! Super Green! The execution of this is fantastic man!
Great atmospheric pads here. Really subtle texture shifts, too. This is a very chilled out piece and would certainly work in that sub-genre. I really dig the shift into what sounds like a tiny bell.
Outside this track, I admire that you're taking your time with production. It shows in both your tracks.
This may sound weird, but I hear the strands of proto-rap from the first wave coming out of Kingston reggae back in the late `70's. To me, this is very, very cool as it's got "Rootz".
Again, I'm really impressed with how you use vocals as percussion. Not in the "omph, bah" kind of way, but in using syllables rhythmically. The way voices dance with the steady beat is awesome. Hip Hop I can dig!
on ELECKTRON by siensystem
I think your understanding (conscious or otherwise) of textures and timbre is what really sets this over the top. It's the Ambient sensibility applied to Trance music that really sets this apart.
Excellent.
on The Dolphin's Tranquility Family Reunion by ShojoBeast
If I hadn't already favorited this one, I would now.
Love it.
No problemo with the double review.
ShojoShojoShojo BEAST
on Dance Before the Throne by jahknow
Masterfully done. Added to favorites without hesitation. Will be dancing before the throne again, and again!
on It Isn't Right by minette
on Wonderwall by ChrisHall
Thanks for listening tooooooo :)
Chris
on Before the Storm (LE) by Obruno
You've really created a soundscape that "feels" like an approaching thunderstorm here. The use of reversed sounds gives the impression of building static, and the breaks you use in the percussion really drive home the sense of tension.
Excellent work! I look forward to following your evolution with this medium, and certainly hope you draw from more mythology for further inspiration. Cheers!
on Hammer Gear by Obruno
I love that you've gone to mythology for inspiration here. I really love how you've found the archetypal similarities between Thor and Hephaestus (not too many of us know about this one!) and interpreted this with a kind of fusion approach. The bass line, and steady rhythm really push forward the imagery you've drawn from. Very inspired and makes for a compelling listen as well.
What I really love is how you've brought this into a contemporary representation. The instrument/sound choices are all very modern, and yet convey the idea of your inspiration spot on.
Added to favorites. I'll be listening to this one again and again!
Thanks for the comment. I just appreciate music. There are a few mythology minded people out there and I am glad that I met another one. This track really speaks to me. Thanks again bruh,
Peace & respect
Obruno
on Euphrates by Planetjazzbass
Heavy Ethnic? Hybrid MetaJazz?
You haven't rattled the cages of genre here, you've undermined the foundations. Amazing.
Not often you'll find me at an utter loss for words, but at this moment language is totally failing. I'll be back with a post-script here, as the attempt will have to be made. I am totally blown away.
Added to favorites.
on Alone Again by sumerlin
Love that minimal lead, though I wonder if it might not be brought down a bit in the mix. I've only got headphones to listen with here, but it does stand out perhaps a little more than what I think you want?
Nice one, man!
on drops by rei4real
You continually transcend genres with your creations. There are the identifiable elements, but this could be classified in many different genres and each would be equally as valid.
On several occasions in the forums I've written that music is an emotional language. You take it to a new level, as it's really emotional aggregates you bring forth. Like poetry in abstract/logical language, you're able to convey more in a single melody phrase than should be possible with the notes involved. If it were medicine, I'd call it a type of synergy - where the sum total exceeds the elements involved.
Rei, my friend, I'm so glad you've returned to this community. It's a true honor sharing this space with you. Added to personal favorites.
thousand thx Sean!!
peace, rei
on ELECKTRON by siensystem
I really love that this is "siensystem Trance" and not compelled by formulaic genre expectations. It makes it really interesting, and authentically vital. A piece of music that was compelled to be created makes for very compelling music. Kudos.
To my ears, this is infused with the vibe and sensibilities of the first wave of Acid House and Rave music that came out of the UK. There's a certain underground sensibility driving this that transcends the current genre. Very smart to make it more for listening than clubbing.
The arrangement and production here is top-notch. Absolutely brilliant work and worthy of the praise it's going to continue getting.
I'm so glad your back, and making music siensystem!
on lazy afternoon jam by rei4real
Your musical sensibilities are really great, and made even better that you've got the skills to implement them! The arrangement here is spot on, and if I was mixing this I don't think I would have done anything differently. The levels of everything are perfect!
What I love the most is how you've captured both the spirit and sound of olde skool funk, but dynamically jacked it into this century. That's truly amazing. Add my name to the list of favorites here!
thank you!!
peace, rei
on First Sketches Continuing Evolutions by victormusic01x
on BILBOZO - MY CORONA by Bilbozo
I love the interplay between the electric and acoustic guitar here - it's almost (almost) like a dance between the howl of a bagpipe and a Spanish guitar.
Good stuff (though, this Kilpatrick prefers his beer as thick and dark as a midnight sky). Och, a fine tune indeed.
on Your Natty is your Beauty by jahknow
I still listen to this one on my computer at least 5 times a week. It'll still be this good in two decades.
on Warrior by BigReeg
You've got riddim, brother. You get it. Whether you know it or not doesn't really matter, because the way your voice dances to the beat is HAPPENING. The arrangement here is spot on.
Yup - you're officially one of my favorite 3 hip hop artists on the site. For true. Keep delivering up such fine stuff!
on Twilight by ParkerMusic
First, I've just got to say hearing your own development is amazing! I really liked your Tudor track (the first I heard), but comparing the two is really a trip! You've gotten really good at this medium! And it's been such a short time as well.
On my second listen, I keep trying to hear this with the "if this track was mine" lens to offer up some constructive criticism. On the one hand, I'd love to hear a solo melody, perhaps in strings (guitar, cello, sitar?) floating in and out of this, HOWEVER I'm pretty sure that if you did that, you'd lose the wonderful Chillout qualities going for this one. It would become something different, and I'm not really sure that's serving the music in this case.
Chillout really is a happy vibe sub-genre of Ambient, and what you do here really emphasizes these characteristics. I can't imagine still feeling stressed out after having this track as a sonic tonic.
Very nice work!
on Obscure by Cybertooth
It does really pull up the deep contemplation vibe. Makes me want to think about things, and with the title, specifically about loneliness. Alienation within the largest of crowds. Cool how you've captured that.
Have you ever listened to Test Dept.? Their heavy drumming and percussion sense is to me how far percussion can go and still remain in the realm of soundscapes.
on Mirrorball ft Minette by ParkerMusic
Love the little wet licking sounds woven through this! Texture...ah.
Added to favorites! Thank you.
on ghetto prophetic by arkeyetexture
Very cool that you've brought a kind of Dubstep sensibility into a more roots driven Dub piece. I agree with Spivkurl about the placement of the vocals - almost like they're another instrument in the mix. Very nice!
thanks for the ear brother! peace!
on Bull Rush by jahknow
I do believe this is in the top 3 most interesting Dubstep tracks I've ever heard. Is it just me, or do others hear optimism dripping through the spaces between the sounds in this one? Far-F***ing-Out!
Added to faves (perhaps the first Dubstep entry there, too!).
Thanks for this. Downloaded and added to my laptop's playlist.
on The pickup by jahknow
I haven't laughed listening to a track for the first time like this in AGES! Super Green! The execution of this is fantastic man!
on salook's minimal dub (remixed r.rockers) by JONEVZ
I love how thick this is. Nice in that dub sense. Faved.
on NEW DAY BEGINS(BRUNCH MIX) by theassociation
Slow, relaxed, and uplifting. Nicely done!
on Walkin the Line by BigReeg
This may sound weird, but I hear the strands of proto-rap from the first wave coming out of Kingston reggae back in the late `70's. To me, this is very, very cool as it's got "Rootz".
Again, I'm really impressed with how you use vocals as percussion. Not in the "omph, bah" kind of way, but in using syllables rhythmically. The way voices dance with the steady beat is awesome. Hip Hop I can dig!
Nice one.