Mildly surprised there hasn't been a thread for this. I was a bit cynical when Neil Barnes continued the Leftfield name without Paul Daley, especially after such a long lay off. However, the samples I heard from this album actually sounded pretty good, so I gave the full thing a listen, especially as the reviews seemed to be pretty positive.
First thoughts? The opening two tracks are blinding. It's the familiar Leftfield throb updated for a new generation of electronic music. For a brief moment I thought it was going to stand up to the previous albums on its own merits. However, the middle of the album slumps badly into vocal-collaboration blight. In particular, Head And Shoulders features a truly execrable guest vocal from the wanker from Sleaford Mods. The last few tracks are pretty strong, though.
At times the whole thing feels like it's veering close to outdated dubstep/electro-influenced territory but on the best tracks it captures the alchemical fusion of cavernous bass flux, sample distortion and sweeping harmonics of vintage Leftfield. The sound design is on par with the latest Scuba record for sheer "head inside the bassbin" ear- in places.
First two tracks:
Syntonic
Yeah, I wasn't sold on this but Universal Everything I liked. It had good remix support from Legowelt and Audion.
Lews
Actually didn't notice (or possibly remember?) this release until the other day when I was looking for 'Song of Life' on Spotify. Haven't given it a listen yet, but will do so soon :) Encouraged to hear there are actually a few good tracks on it!
Sushipunk
Totally forgot about this too, lol. I might pick it up on the weekend when I get some time.
enydo
I pretty much had a similar reaction as you, Jack. The early parts of it really had me groovin, then some of that shlock in the middle... sorta stopped paying attention. I was at work while listening so I should really give it another run through, but I did enjoy several things off of here quite a bit. Definitely got that Leftfield style infused with the newer "rave-era" sorta sound.
SYSTEM-J
I've listened a couple of times now and if you skip past Head And Shoulders it's quite an enjoyable album, although it still sags a bit in the middle. I've had the opening track on repeat. Would love to hear that live. Hopefully he'll announce a full tour soon.
Lagrangian
jack i hate you but i love you
leftfield rocks!
Lagrangian
quote:
Originally posted by Lews
Actually didn't notice (or possibly remember?) this release until the other day when I was looking for 'Song of Life' on Spotify. Haven't given it a listen yet, but will do so soon :) Encouraged to hear there are actually a few good tracks on it!
