|
The latest chapter for "Love &
Rockets" unfolds in the form of "Lift," and with
it, the group propels to new heights. Drawing upon the creative
influences they themselves helped to pioneer in the formative
days of electronic-based music, "Lift" is a cavalcade
of complex features, yet soothingly vibrant and intellectually
innovative.
Since lighting up the scene at the close
of the last decade, the former Bauhaus members have always declined
fashionable mandates for the sake of artistic creativity. Experimentalists
to the core, they've continuously broken new ground where Goth-rock
and techno are concerned, and "Lift" sees their individuality
and growth branch out like never before. Though not quite as
daring as their last dramatic "Hot Trip to Heaven"
was perceived to be at the time, "Lift" contains enough
twists and turns to leave the lap counter at a stock car race
in a profuse sweat.
So while their last creation failed to
leave any immediate impact with its far-reaching ingenuity, it
did leave a lasting impression with subsequent dub-warriors,
and can be looked back on as the high-water mark in genre today.
With their latest, L&R recruited re-mixologist Doug DeAngelis,
who's deftly capable knob tweaking in the production process
cannot be praised enough. "Lift" is a technician's
dream come true, with all its perpetual sampling and loops, representative
of an adventuresome baby dove just learning to spread its wings
and soar into the night sky.
Thirteen tracks in all, synthesized in
a wall of groove and ambiance, outlined by two different versions
of the title track, the first featuring an upbeat club mix, and
the last ending off in a dark, surreal contrast. It's true. The
"party's not over" for L&R, but more likely the
rebirth of a new age of artistic craftsmanship to engulf a brand
new horde of followers |
