Attack Decay Sustain Release
Dance music should be pretty simple. Take one good slice of melody, surround it with atmosphere and attitude, then add layer after layer of gripping, stomping rhythms…, OK, maybe it’s not that simple. But James Shaw and James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco make a strong argument for simplicity on their stripped-down debut record. The production duo, who formerly worked together in the psychedelic electronica outfit Simian, have downsized their approach and created a piece of acid house/techno that profits greatly from an uncluttered, direct mindset. From an influence/genre perspective, there’s nothing direct about it at all, actually. There are dashes of early Aphex Twin, more than a little Daft Punk, and some 808 State to boot. But it’s all mixed up with breezy electro-styled production, which gives the music a sparse and snappy pulse that creates space and complements the duo’s songwriting. There are times when it doesn’t work, as the boys have cranked the mid-range so high it can sound tinny and hollow; “Tits & Acid” should be a stomper, but somehow never really takes off. Other songs are compromised by the choice to crank the vocals so hot in the mix, like “Hotdog,” which can’t hide its too-silly central lyric. Still, when it works, it really works. Shaw and Ford understand the need to evolve a song, as tracks like “It’s The Beat” and the wonderful, whirligig “Wooden” start here and end up over there. Your love affair with Attack Decay Sustain Release may be more like a one-night stand and you’ll probably hate yourself in the morning, but your regret will be tempered by a silly grin that won’t fade until lunchtime, at least. –Matthew Cooke
Atists:
Simian Mobile Disco
Audio CD:
Company: Interscope Records
(2007-09-11)
List Price: $9.98
Amazon Price: $5.25
Used Price: $1.54
