Backstroke

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 2004-07-13

Label: Spectral Sound

Matthew Dear
Backstroke
SPL-021

Format: CD/mini-LP
Release Date: 7.13.04
File Under: Techno/Electronic-"D"


Here's The Real Deal:

Following hot on the heels of his universally-acclaimed album Leave Luck To Heaven, Matthew Dear returns with the mini-LP Backstroke, on which he expands his stylistic boundaries and solidifies his place as not only a master of micro-house, but also a major force in experimental pop. On the recent Anger Management/Future Never Again 12", Dear backed away from the mic, but Backstroke features vocals more prominently than ever. Dear infuses the music with stunning accessibility and depth,while more familiar elements of his otherworldly style are kneaded into a perfect mix. Also at the forefront are stronger incliniations for tunefulness and the avant-garde, as dark cacophonies of swirling, disembodied voices often give way to gorgeous melodies that carry the record along seamlessly.

"Tide" moves on a deep, almost tribal arrangement of percussive hits while Dear's distinctive baritone appears above a bouncing bass line, building the kinetic energy that reaches its greatest height on centerpieces "Grut Wall" and "Huggy's Parade". Within all these songs,thoughtful lyrics also demonstrate penchant for the poetic that is all too rare in the increasingly clinical genre of electronic music. "And In The Night" serves as a perfect end to Backstroke, a throbbing amalgamation of vocal samples and vaguely Latin rhythms that evolves into a tense climax and fades with cinematic splendor.

Showing a healthy heart at the core of the machine, the oddball pop of Backstroke accomplishes what few records can: an overwhelmingly successful fusion of disparate elements that work perfectly under the guidance of a relentlessly clever and innovative mind.


ITEMS OF MENTION:
-A continuation of Dear's interest in combining minimal techno and vocal pop

-Fitting for the dance floor, yet stands up as a listening experience on its own

-Compact disc version includes two extra tracks, "Another" and "I Know Howser".

THE TRACKS:

CD:
1. Another
2. Tide
3. Takes On You
4. Grut Wall
5. I Know Howser
6. Huggy's Parade
7. Good Girl
8. And In The Night

LP:

A 1. Tide
2. Take On You
3. Grut Wall

B 1. Huggy's Parade
2. Good Girl
3. And In The Night



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