Artist: Robert Hood
Title: Wire To Wire
Label: Peacefrog
Format : 2x12" / CD
Cat Number: PFG042 / PFG042CD
Release date: 30 June 2003
>From the opening bars of 'Make A Wish', the lead track on Robert Hood's new
long player 'Wire To Wire', you know you're in for a musical treat. Robert's
long association with the 'minimal sound' is well documented, and rightly
so - his 'Minimal Nation' release on Axis is still considered the benchmark
for the genre nearly 8 or so years on. But, Robert is definitely no
one-trick pony. His rare and beautiful 'Nighttime World' on Cheap is a
beautiful concoction of jazzy electronics still sought after by many non
techno / electronic music fans today.
'Wire To Wire' manages to flirt with both of these timeless classics while
still remaining fresh & original - from the beautiful & ethereal 'Make A
Wish', 'Slightly', & 'Fragile Moments', and the haunting and eerie hip-hop
beats of 'The Game' to the dubbed out futurism of 'Upon A Millennial
Moment', 'Wire To Wire' certainly gives us a glimpse into Robert's
down-tempo / electronic prowess. But it doesn't stop there, the real mark of
Robert's production talents are shown when he effortlessly manages to make
euphoric funky minimalism such as 'The Wire' & 'Aural 512' nestle perfectly
alongside. A perfectly balanced album to be enjoyed either at home or in a
club. Classic music that will stand the test of time.
Track listing:
1. Make A Wish
2. The Game
3. Upon A Millennial Moment
4. Interior suspect
5. Slightly
6. Fragile Moments
7. High Plains Drifter
8. The Age Of Eleven
9. The Wire
10. Aural 512
Make A Wish is a suitably spell-binding opening track. Delicate pizzicato
keys paint a melody which ascends and descends over restrained percussion.
Occasional deep bass booms and gently-struck ride cymbals move the track
along, contributing to the playful feel of the music.
The sound of the strings used on The Game will be familiar to followers of
Robert's work, yet they are used with extra subtlety here. They lay atop a
broken-beat, while extra layers of shimmering tones add to the atmosphere.
The deep, organic-sounding percussion of Upon A Millennial Moment continues
the rich and sensual flavour of the album. This is only amplified further
when the sweeping strings and guitar-like instrumentation are added -
providing a true jewel in the crown of this album.
There's something very majestic about the opening chords of Interior
Suspect. It's a feeling which continues to build, as further layers of sound
are added to the mix. The first 4/4 kick of the album appears shortly
afterwards, carrying the music forward into more familiar, but no less
impressive, Robert Hood territory.
Slightly begins sounding like a click track gone wrong. The rhythm can't
decide to settle - adopting a human-like uncertainty, as many different
sounds appear to take a bow whilst never really taking the lead. This
represents the is the king of linear techno going against the grain!
Again well-titled, Fragile Moments communicates just that. The opening
ambience gives way to a slow, house-paced number which is as sun-drenched as
anything you'd find on a Cafe Del Mar compilation.
There's an audible jazz-influence to the keys on High Plains Drifter -
similar to the bubbling, tonal style of Rob's harder work, but employed in a
more soaring, downtempo way here. Drums are kept to a minimum, wisely -
restricted to a subtle selection of hi-hats and soft percussive sounds.
Brooding synths bring in The Age Of Eleven, which embarks upon a wandering
path of an string-led ambience - something which could be considered a
hallmark of this album.
The Wire is one of the only tracks on the album that fires straight into a
kickdrum-led drum pattern but, regardless, the achingly melodic keys still
manage to convey a feeling of fragility. melancholy even. This track sums up
the balance at work on this album (appropriate, given the title), and
underlines Robert's considerable talent as a producer.
The slow latin-inflected percussion of Aural 512 sees the album to it's
conclusion. String flourishes dance with each other, interacting perfectly,
and closing the album in a celebratory mood.
Look out for Robert Hood's 'Omega' (PFG043) the second in Peacefrog's ultra
rare 'Private Pressing' series.
Still available: PFG026 'Who Taught You Math' 12"
PFG029 'The Art Of War' 2x12"
Soon to be re-pressed due to popular demand: PFG027 "Point Blank" 2LP / CD
