Is Opal Records in anyway a member of
the new Latin American electronic music scene? No. Not in the least
bit. As a matter of fact the label is not even located in the same
hemisphere. Geography be damned, and globes be treated like soccer
balls: aesthetic and purpose is what matters. So while it should
be noted that Basic House, and
what is essentially his record store, is based out of London, it is not, shall we say detrimental information.
But take note that this is a label that can easily hold its own with
similar British conspirators in Eglo and Perlon Records. This
is challenging music for those who want to wish to be an obstuse piece to the
jigsaw puzzle's reign of terror. What follows the jump is a 26 June
2013 set by Opal Records head honcho – whose catalog can be enjoyed
at Bandcamp
Now, a
few words on what I personally consider to be one of the better DJ
sets I have heard in this year of our Lord Nova, fifty-one fifteen.
Selections:
While minor nuances assist in the ultimate enjoyment of listening to
any DJ's radio set or party recording, nothing matters more than the cutting edge composer's
choice of songs. The tracklist for any
DJ's work hours is a free-based residual of a presumably larger and
orgasmic record collection. Granted that no song titles are provided
by NTS radio (oft forgotten in lieu of Rinse FM and Deja Vu Radio),
but the overall feel is that this is more than a simple label showcase. The
set is clearly not a substitute for a label podcast. This is not by
any means a “best of” for Opal Tapes, but it is quite the
introduction; whetting the appetite like a drizzle to the last
saguaro in the desert. In addition to that, the summation of the
tunes is one of malleability: this can be background music to those
who desire it or an active listening collage to those who prefer it.
The range is also admirable – although be cognizant of the largely
musique concrète feel
– with pseudo drum 'n' bass
at 18 minutes, somewhat bass music 23 minutes, what can only be
described as legitimate alien mating sounds at 35 minutes along with
instrument experimentation at 55 minutes
Organization:
The over all layout of the set is admirable and aware of the
broadcast's limitations (one hour). The purpose of this DJ'ing gig is not to get a
party crowd up and moving; the underlying appeal is conveying a full musical though to those seeking
headphone EDM or bizarro cocktail party accompaniment. This is not a
random set of color splotches on a canvas. A variety of “hangout
sessions” (with out without intoxicants of choice) can be imagined as well as solo chilling;
music for night walking, as I once heard Burial described. Most
interesting is the consistent song breaks at round minute marks of half
minute marks in addition consistent change of tempo every 10-15
minutes. Basic House masterfully avoids stale consistency.
Transition:
Songs are traveled between without the slightest hint of turbulence.
Likewise, detours are not forced in any manner. Large, very
sufficient chunks of songs are allowed to be played out and enjoyed. This is not
a set for those who suffer from music ADD. Enjoy the moment. Turns are frequently not
even noticed; treble is often used to the DJ's advantage in
transitioning to the next song.As previously mentioned, the pace is
very even and the fade out at the end catches no one by surprise. An
overall excellent way to spend an hour.
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