Mar 14, 2010
Daedelus
Righteous Fists Of Harmony
Brainfeeder
To say Daedelus is a prolific producer is similar to saying Biggie ate a few too many burgers. The man born Alfred Weisberg-Roberts has released numerous albums and EPs on such visionary labels as Ninja Tune, Mush and Alpha Pup and has continued his seemingly never-ending run with 'Righteous Fists Of Harmony', on Brainfeeder.
Like many of his other works, this latest EP switches up styles once again, showing off the man's talents not simply with beats, as with the lilting opening track 'An Armada Approaches' and delightful orchestration on 'Fin De Siécle', which could easily have been part of a flowing film score, but with Spanish guitars and vocals which compile the final four tracks of the EP. It is with these arrangements, which are extremely reminiscent in places of Prefuse 73's Savath & Savalas persona, that Daedelus really shines. 'Order Of The Golden Dawn' and 'Tidal Waves Uprising' are certainly the standout tracks, with their floating melodies and understated percussion, providing a peaceful end to proceedings.
Yet whilst the final four tracks are perfect lazy afternoon listening, and will no doubt rack up a number of plays on my iTunes counter come autumn, the organisation of the release leaves something to be desired. If this had simply been a four or five track EP, it would have been a double thumbs up but the fact that the opening four tracks seem so off-kilter compared with the second half of the record confuses me somewhat. That isn't to say the tracks aren't good, they are, they just don't mesh together well enough.
Daedelus is a master of many skills and has proved his worth time and again. I'm sure those that have followed him in the past and bask in his variety, will thoroughly enough this EP. I just can't help feeling as though he would have been better suited releasing two smaller EPs to give each half the attention and environment they both deserve.
'Righteous Fists Of Harmony' is out 22nd March on Brainfeeder.
