JUSTICE - ACCESS ALL ARENAS

So, I might be somewhat behind the times with this. But I've just purchased it, so whatever. "Access All Arenas" is the latest album from one of my all-time favourite duos, Justice, and it follows much in the footsteps of their 2008 live album "A Cross the Universe." The main difference between the two is obvious: AAA follows the release of the french pair's second studio album "Audio Video Disco," from which certain tracks have been taken and mixed into stalwarts like 'D.A.N.C.E.', 'Phantom,' and 'Waters of Nazareth.' The effect is noticable, for whilst their initial live sets were very electro driven, here there is a far clearer rock edge. What's more, not only have they roughened up their classics, but theyve also added some grit to their new works, with 'Canon' and 'Audio Video Disco' being especially impressive. Whilst the similarities between rock and modern dance music have been seen many many times, never before has classic 70s rock, disco, and distorted electro sounded so very good together. And as a side note, the album's presentation is pretty damn cool, sexily boxed in a solid white case with a matte finish and golden lettering.

There are certainly certain downsides, though (I may be a bit of a superfan but I'll admit where it's not so strong). Firstly, the album does nothing new. It is simply "A Cross the Universe 2.0", so to speak. Also, there is an inherent potential issue with a live album - the crowd noise. Now for some, such as myself, it simply adds to the ambiance. But others do find it incredibly irritating. So just a warning. And the main issue is for anyone expecting a follow up to their first live album, there is NO documentary this time. Nowt. This is no real shame, but it has to be said... it would've been nice. And £10 for a CD that's been out for a few months and doesn't actually contain any 'new' material is a little steep if you ask me. But hey, maybe that's just HMV for you.

So really, this is nothing phenomenal. It's just more of what we love, and it definitely proves that 'Audio Video Disco' has some damn fine material on it. Now I've just gotta try and catch these guys live...

DIGITALISM - LIFT EP

Although it may be a mere 3 new tracks, German dance outfit Digitalism's latest release is in my opinion one of their most refined yet. Having released 2 full albums, a multitude of remixes, and performed globally, the duo are riding the waves of the EDM boom, following in the footsteps of the likes of Daft Punk and Justice. With this EP, they have colloborated with 3 other artists - The M Machine, Steve Duda and Michael Diamond, and produced a varied and exciting little package for us. Firstly, "Lift" is the kind of uplifting chord-driven affair that you expect from these guys, the track features a wonderful breakdown midway through, before returning back to its full-blooded self. Following this is solid techno in the form of "Dudalism," which whilst repetitive carries a great weight, along with some wonderfully lo-fi violins. Then closing the EP, my favourite track, also featured here in its entirety. "Electric Fist" is supreme in its power. Combining a ridiculously epic organ riff with all sorts of glitchy electro madness, the effect is not dissimilar to Justice of old. But this isn't a copy by any means: it isn't as schizophrenic, but definitely more polished. This track has been on repeat. A lot. Their secret? Their distortion, of which they say "it's like a good batter, the only way to find out is to taste it."

All in all, this EP may be nothing more than 3 new tracks from the already well-established pair. But they re-affirm Digitalism's ability to not just blur the lines between indie rock and dance, but produce real club tunes. And they're all pretty damn good. In fact, one is fucking terrific.

GENESIS

So, let's begin this thing.

For a little while now, I've been considering starting a blog such as this one. Firstly, I've got the burning desire to go on and on about the music I love, and I feel this is an appropriate way to do just that without harassing friends and family who couldn't frankly give less of a shit. Secondly, I'm planning to make use of this as a little self-promotion. Y'see, I'm a music producer, not just a music listener. So, why not chuck some of my own sounds on here as and when I make them? I'm allowed, it's my blog, you can't tell me what to post!

Now, the rules of what I'll post. I have none. I will post literally any music I feel like sharing. Be it some crazy electro stuff I've come across on soundcloud, a fun little minimix, my thoughts on an album. God knows what. This is me, sharing my thoughts and feelings about music.

I hope you'll enjoy it.