Telepopmusik
“Genetic World”
Mitsubishi strikes again. The car maker recently debuted the latest in its almost absurdly entertaining series of commercials, in which attractive nocturnal young people tool around in cars to the tune of an irresistible, unknown (but not for long) dance track. In fact, the TV spots have already spawned two bona fide hits–the Wiseguys’ “Start the Commotion” and Dirty Vegas’ “Days Go By.” Now, French electronica act Telepopmusik’s “Breathe” is climbing the charts, thanks to the new TV spot. And hey, it’s an undeniably great song, all heartbeat house rhythms, percolating synths, and detached, sexy vocals from Scotland’s Angela McCluskey of the Wild Colonials. “Genetic World” features a couple of “Breathe” remixes, both appropriately trippy, as well as other pleasantly warm and frosty electronica tracks. No surprises here–just dependably cushiony chill-out fare.
Moira McCormick, RedEye contributor.
Meshuggah
“Nothing”
The ability of this Swedish heavy metal quartet to make music that ranks among the world’s most brutally aggressive and most dauntingly complex is as remarkable as someone winning both the Ultimate Fighting championship and an academic scholarship to M.I.T. As with its previous albums, Meshuggah’s new CD, “Nothing,” upholds the band’s tradition of intricate pummeling while also exploring new sonic strategies. Where Meshuggah’s older songs typically layered Jens Kidman’s growled, guttural vocals over densely interlocking, multi-metered knots of riff and rhythm, new songs like “Rational Gaze” and “Perpetual Black Second” are more spacious, with the drums laying down steady, quasi four-four grooves beneath jagged, hiccuping unison bass and guitar tones. The resulting tumult is somewhat easier to digest than earlier Meshuggah blasts, but the assault is no less ferocious. And, as always, on songs like “Closed Eye Visuals,” there are sudden, pristine, Allan Holdsworth-ish guitar solos that relieve the ear with moments of dark, tonal beauty.
Rick Reger, RedEye contributor.
