ECHOBOY
VOLUME ONE
ALBUM MUTE, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: MARCH
20, 2000 REVIEW: APRIL 14, 2000
As so many other Mute releases, Echoboy's (or Richard Warren's) debut album "Volume
One" is an open-minded and innovative piece of artistry. In short you could describe
it as a semi-instrumental and refreshingly diverse approach to the contemporary
field of what you may or may not label as post rock.
On "Volume One" the key words seem to be atmosphere and simplicity. Even in the
most unpolished beats or bizarre electronics, you always feel a strong presence
of uncompromising beauty. But when early Suicide as well as Spiritualized are
obvious sources for inspiration, the upcoming single "Kit and Holly" seems kind
of misguiding. This track's collision between The Stone Roses and The Cure says
very little about the rest of the album and is in my point of view something of
a trifle.
No, the strongest parts of this album are to be found elsewhere. Like in the disharmonic
waltz of "Model 352", with a spirit not far from that of David Bowie's version
of Kurt Weil's "Alabama Song". However, it's in the ten minute mantra-like "Constantinople"
Echoboy definitely shows his most interesting side. With this purely mesmerising
downbeat version of a stripped Primal Scream-track the most restless of souls
may finally understand the beauty of minimalism.
"Volume One" may occasionally be a bit unfocused, but there's enough talent hidden
on this album to ensure me that Echoboy will have quite a bright future.
