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Rheinzand is a bit too much of the same thing across the whole album, although I am still enthusiastic about some individual tracks. I think partly I am just not into the male vocalist's ironically growly spoken word parts, over and over again. (And they left out possibly my favorite of their tracks so far, "Mi Mundo," which has more psychedelic touches than some of their work.)
(To nobody in particular) I do still think the Rheinzand album is good. It's still one of the better albums I've heard this year. Maybe it will slip for me, over time, due to some of the weaker tracks, but it's got a lot going for it. I would still change some things about their formula if I could.
There is something curious about how often Shipp's latest release is described by critics as being an apt summary of his career. Yes, partly he has encouraged this by frequently claiming he is going to retire and no longer record solo (or even new material, if I recall correctly). I think that he has largely been toying with critics and journalists when he says those things. But maybe it reflects the way Shipp talks about his own music as a process of refinement, of trying to precisely "say" what he has to say.
I know I've posted a lot lately, so I was trying to hold off a little longer with this one, but--let there be music!
This album blends classical Arabic vocals, baroque music, and touches of classical Indian vocals as well, which sounds, from the description, as if it would be a complete mess, but in my opinion it works extremely well. I think one thing that helps it all fit together is that the music has a lot of space in it. It is somewhat sparsely orchestrated. I suppose it's audacious to put new, foreign vocals over a pre-existing baroque composition, but that doesn't bother me. I need a push to listen to more baroque music anyway. (I know I like some baroque music, but have not really begun to find my way around in it.) Not every track here blends all three major threads together. I am just choosing one cut that seems most representative of what's going on, on the album. The album appears on a label that seems to specialize in western classical music, for what it's worth.
I had overlooked this singer, Ghalia Benali, until recently, but I've gone back and listened to what's available by her on Spotify, and there's quite a bit of worthwhile listening there, although I think I like the newest album best. Still, I was impressed that I even enjoyed her album of Oum Kalthoums covers. Usually, Oum Kalthoum covers aren't worth bothering with, since she was such an incomparably great singer. I am glad Benali moved to a small ensemble for accompaniment, rather than mimicking the orchestra that used to accompany Oum Kalthoum.
I sampled around for a little bit. Not really the way to listen, but my way to test whether to listen. I'd say the beats are decent and sometimes better.
More likely, all things being equal, I get into a band with good video; but in this case I was non-plused by all the visuals. If I listen more fully on a 2nd round, it will be without watching anything. Maybe playing for an hour or more and louder I might go for it more.
So far I am not hypnotized or that intrigued with the female vocalist. Maybe that could change with a more committed listen. Probably would have to in order to play a 3rd time. Their vibe is cool not "hot", but it may be too cool for me.
First record? I guess I should be patient. Worth keeping the door open.
The music is probably aimed at people who want to dance or at least sway. That isn't me. So I recognize that and therefore my review is not that intense. If I dance or sway, it would be in my head so to speak. Some music can do that, but I didn't launch on this 1st listen.
I like that they avoid the most obvious dance music cliche sounds and that they use a lot of instrumental sounds instead of all electronic sounds.
This track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTTYhSvJIA
has a tag line: deep soulful disco and it delivers that better than the other tracks I've heard so far. I'd listen to this track again and tracks that go for that. I imagine this music being hip on Mediterranean beaches for 30 somethings. Probably married. I kinda doubt it makes waves in US but maybe in neighborhoods I don't know?
What's up with the instrumental Mein Little Pony Kempf track? Just playing with darkness and light?
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