Beanfield – Seek
Distributed by Creative Vibes

It’s been a while since I have listened to anything by Beanfield. My personal experience with them has been some excellent tracks on trip hop compilations in the late 90s – lovely floaty dreamy tracks that took you off into an electronic reverie. When I popped their new album, Seek, into my CD player I was surprised and impressed with the change in their music since I last heard them. Seek is a suave and sophisticated music collection focusing on smooth vocals and tight jazz influenced arrangements.

This album is less dance floor oriented and more about appreciating the deepness of the music. It is relaxing and soulful. The emphasis on lyrics and vocals reminds me of modern day ballads but as the press release so succinctly puts it “this is an album where digital kisses analogue”. Couldn’t have put it better myself!

The departure of keybordist Tobias Meggle has left Jan Krause and Michael Mettke as the key members. The change in line up has perhaps given them the impetus to form new partnerships with the likes of Ernesto and Bajka. These new partnerships certainly bring the tracks to life. From Ernesto’s silky smooth vocals to Baijka’s trademark husky jazz style and sassiness, this album combines deep beats and vocals exquisitely and manages to hold my attention the entire way through – something which is very difficult to do for me in the case of vocals.

The way the album is put together focuses initially on the more ballad-like vocal offerings and moves through into the tracks with stronger, minimal beats. I am reminded of Jamiroquai as I listen to Some One Like You and Kiss and think that Ernesto’s silky soft vocals may be a major contributing factor. My preference on the vocal tracks, however, is Bajka as she certainly does give that extra lift to the vocals. But as is always the case for me, it’s the faster paced tracks that appeal more, such as Welcome and Cargo – nice minimal beats and layers with a nice punch behind them.

The verdict? I’m surprised at how enjoyable this CD is, departure from old style and vocals aside, it really is a polished offering so well put together it is impossible not to appreciate the deepness of the music. I look forward to hearing more from these two.

Stand Out Tracks

Tide featuring Bajka
Mr Park
Welcome featuring Marzenka