Mr Vahlberg kindly sent me the heads-up on whats happening ala ROBERT JOHNSON and PUNCHDRUNKS. The soon-to-be released "Taste The Whup At Old Dog" is quite a departure from the futuristic surf. This is more a polysymphonic spree kinda like John Carpenter getting it on with Yellow Magic Orchestra while they figure out some Joe Meek chops. The electronica-fied programmed drum throb might be alarming on first entry but stick with it. The pulsating backbeat isn't as much of a jump as the initial jolt would suggest. There are only two members in RJaP now and they've got 14 different producers on the 14 cuts that make up the album. The cinematic sweep of the sound makes me wonder if this'll ever be performed live. I can't see these guys hamming it up amidst a battery of stadium lighting like The Chemical Brothers or Orbital. Robert is too steeped in rock'n'roll for that, to my mind. When I visited their site, I saw there was a 2cd collection of previously released material available with plenty of rare and unreleased gear on there too. Having had the privilege of witnessing the raw power of RJ in action, I've got the bug. I could see where this new direction could flummox people. However, when the surprise - or even shock - has quelled, this bold jump is oddly satisfying.
There are obvious Kraftwerk and Suicide comparisons to be made and lazy bastards might be inclined to write off "Old Dog" as such. However, there are many subliminal riches in these seams and aided/abetted by serious volume - there's a lotta life in this strange twist in the road that our Swedish chums have taken.
No comments:
Post a Comment