Yay he's back with another one (Supermodified - Amon Tobin)

Member Name: music-mad

Product:	Supermodified - Amon Tobin
Date:	07/06/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A cut above other samplists. Diverse.

Disadvantages: Weaker 2nd half of the album. Lacks continuity.

"Supermodified" released in 2000 is Amon Tobin's third album using his own name (his earliest album "Adventures in Foam" was released under the name Cujo in 1996). The album is packaged disappointingly in cardboard, not the conventional and more durable plastic. In addition, no time has been wasted on niceties such as an album sleeve; the focus is firmly on the music, music that is experimental and creative.

When Amon Tobin is at his best he produces varied arrangements and complex beats that can almost be mistaken for live drumming - an impressive achievement considering everything is derived from samples. Attention deficit disorder sufferers can rejoice because this artist will always change something in the track and the unpredictability keeps the listener hooked.

"Supermodified" really does what the title suggests and sounds like a logical progression from the previous album "Permutation". There is no longer an emphasis on jazzy samples; Amon Tobin has decided to make use of any sound he can get hold of. Incorporated into his tracks are expansive sounds such as: electric pylons, revving motors, a hammer striking an anvil and sped up beat boxing. These sounds are arranged to fit alongside more conventional guitar licks, flute notes, Hammond organ chords and orchestral snippets to create interesting tracks. Whilst I really enjoy the diversity on offer, it can feel quite random moving from track to track and this lack of continuity may annoy some listeners.

The absence of any unifying style necessitates a track-by-track description to give you an idea of what is on offer:

1. "Get Your Snack On" - 4:22
We kick off in party mode with a lively, commercial tune using conventional samples - this is probably the most accessible tune on the album. A head-nodding beat complete with drum flams, fills and rolls is complemented by funky electric guitar, organ, rhodes, saxophone and flute. This groovy number is definitely one of my favourite tracks.

2. "Four Ton Mantis" - 4:45
A middle-eastern style, tense, atmospheric opening containing an addictive ride cymbal pattern is quickly joined by a plodding beat. The main piano riff fades in (which sounds very familiar) and the beat gradually turns into a menacing, cymbal heavy, crashing sound determined to pound your brain into submission. This is juxtaposed with a flute sample and a sweet sounding jazz piano ditty that ends the tune.

3. "Slowly" - 5:37
A brooding intro of electric pylon sounds gives way to a relaxing jazzy tune that would fit snugly into the previous album "Permutation". Piano and electric guitar samples loop hypnotically without becoming repetitive, interspersed with seductive horns. A mischievous drumbeat that isn't quite predictable prevents the track from descending fully into chillout mode. The lazy, laidback feel works really well and is another album highlight for me.

4. "Marine Machines" - 5:45
This track is where Amon Tobin really starts to go off the wall; the best way I can describe the style is: highly atmospheric computer game music. Stylistically his next album "Out From Out Where" would sound a lot like this - dense and frequently sinister soundscapes that no longer have any jazz or drum n bass influences. I admire the use of orchestral samples to create what sounds like an aquatic robotic army marching along the seabed, but let's be honest, it's not the sort of track you will be listening to on a regular basis.

5. "Golfer vrs Boxer" - 6:17
Revving engines are used as warped basslines in this dark drum n bass track, with some good drum programming but I find the distortion effects distracting and the track starts to drag on after 4 minutes.

6. "Deo" - 6:44
An acoustic guitar strum is looped for the first 2 minutes as the track gradually builds up, before we finally get an idea of where the track is heading with a few seconds of drum n bass towards the end of the thrid minute. The track finally springs to life at 3:46 which is too long to be kept waiting in my opinion. The drum n bass uses a bunch of natural sounding drum beats but sounds very chaotic and disordered - no noticeable pattern can be heard in the beat, making the track less enjoyable.

7. "Precursor" featuring Quadraceptor - 4:39
Human beatbox samples are used to create a drum n bass beat to a discordant bassline. The idea is a good one but unfortunately the vocals have been shifted very high in pitch, resulting in a goofy "chipmunk" effect that is hard to take seriously.

8. "Saboteur" - 5:18
Catchy, clinking percussion punctuates a suffocating, brooding atmosphere. A distorted beat and cinematic brass then attempt to derail the original tune (ie. the "saboteur").

9. "Chocolate Lovely" - 6:03
This track moves back into more cheerful territory with playful, slurpy effects and a dizzying array of samples. It opens with processed ride cymbals, a toe-tapping bongo beat, organ and cinematic strings/piano. Eventually a ridiculous succession of drum fills drives the track forward, although the melody becomes slightly confused.

10. "Rhino Jockey" - 7:28
"Rhino Jockey" is a fairly pedestrian (by Amon Tobin standards) house/dance track that makes use of Latin percussion. I find it quite mind numbing and repetitive.

11. "Keepin' It Steel (The Anvil Track)" - 4:29
A hammer hitting an anvil is used as percussion together with xylophone notes. Brass, piano and guitar samples get looped but the track never really develops or goes anywhere to justify repeated listening.

12. "Natureland" - 5:48
This is a jazzy and, dare I say it, conventional end to a highly unconventional album. The track meanders along to rhodes noodling, piano, saxophone and strings, functioning well as pleasant but forgettable mood music.

Summary
Amon Tobin does not disappoint in this followup album to "Permutation" and has sacrificed cohesion for a more experimental sound. Inventive, diverse and unconventional - listen to this album to understand how sampling can be turned into an artform.

Alternatives I recommend are:
- "Timeless" by Goldie
- "Two Pages" by 4hero
- "Permutation" by Amon Tobin

[Also reviewed on Ciao and Epinions]

Summary: Another inventive album worthy of a listen