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Andre Afram Asmar
Race To The Bottom
Mush
Here we find ourselves peering into the dawn of the
21'st century, and somehow almost incoherently we have
evolved to establish a frame of thought with the ability
to envelop almost all musical trends, we consistently
combine and restructure ideas, cultures, languages,
talents, clothing, technology, and even our toothbrushes.
And just when you think your knowledge of musical styles
and our environment in general is fermenting into an
intoxicating blend sure to hook the next generation
of thrill seeking unconscious mind expanding freaks.
Then here comes Andre Afram Asmar with a piece of music
so distinct that you cannot deny that original material
does still exist. Sure it pulls from almost every thinkable
genre of music, but still is so unique in character
that you can't help but wonder just what this guy is
like in real life and if he can ingeniously pull together
so many people and styles why the hell don't we paste
a idealized belief system on him and start chanting
his name as the sound of a new revolution. A year in
the making Andre has pulled together over twenty guest
artists on this album, ranging in geographical placement
from Israel, to Latin America, back to the Middle East,
down to Africa, and even those relaxing in the Caribbean.
Making it as much a compilation of culture as it is
a musical expression.
If you find yourself appreciating the exploration of
styles in music then Race To the Bottom
will hold your interest to say the least. He flawlessly
meshes hints of Jamaican dub with lighthearted chants
of middle eastern vocals. Then spazZes out with some
Brazilian rhythm tinctured with a nice blend of western
electronic manipulation. Each track effortlessly adds
to the obscure texture you find yourself confronted
with. He has an ability to lose you in his loose often-metallic
melodies abhorrent with rhythmatic precision ranging
from tablas, to dijembes, to basic 909 hits. all along
attaining a perfect balance of personal insight and
environmental exploration. If you like elemental dub,
Asian mysticism, Israeli vocals, African rhythm, or
world music in general I suggest you check this out.
Otherwise get your hands prepped to milk the next "essential"
electronically manipulated cash cow that comes your
way. -Philo
Tracklisting:
- robophiloso
- camel clutch
- traptivity
- computer mammals
- scientism
- stink tank
- free fire zone
- duniagariba
- dub the seven seas
- to be a lover
- judgemtime
- rajamalshitan
- race to the bottom
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