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(Independent / Independent)
Briztronix debut album is a delightful work of beat-craft, sample pastiche and ambient pleasure. Toting itself as an instrumental hip hop album, it evokes memories of the Avalanches break through sound of ‘Since I Left You’ but holds a grittier, underground integrity. The brainchild of Shazam and the scratchmaster DJ-Bacon, Briztronix The Album follows on from the act’s debut EP of 2002, and does it with lashings of dark beauty.
Briztronix craft songs in which ideas evolve and devolve, as layers are added, subtracted and embellished. DJ Bacon’s turntablism is ever tasteful, and the album’s production values greatly exceed those suggested by the lo-fi album art. There are some very interesting fractured beats peppered through the album, providing a nice contrast to the more constant (but never dull) rhythms elsewhere. With smooth washes of sound and carefully chosen textures an obvious consideration, graph paper has never sounded this good.
Despite some quite contrasting moods between tracks, the down-beat nature of the record in general ensures a smooth listen. It’s all here in this recording: from harp glissandos and wah-wah guitar to wandering jazz solos and the confessions of a renegade sampler. 808-Tronix showcases their drum-machine savvy, pairing it up with an unlikely and rather haunting orchestral sample. I’m a I’m the demonstrates Briztronix’ ability to create a simple and sunny groove, with mutations courtesy of Shazam, and some signature sides of Bacon!
Bugged Out Tronix (featuring Manhandle Spiders) could have been fitted seamlessly into a release from Unkle, and is not alone in this respect. Equally dark and beautiful with a trip hop feel, Rapid Cloud delivers a similar sensation. This time Briztronix do it with a lonely trumpet, replacing the breathy female vocals of the previous. The tracks We Love KJ (JC Mix) and Venom Stinger are dark and luscious stand outs, sounding very DJ Shadow in mood and mix. Smooth bass, jazz piano and horn samples over light-handed hats and snare, this is the Briztronix for me.
While capable of some feel good party beats, it’s the darker moods of Briztronix that really resonate. Their eccentric sample-driven ‘gag’ interludes are a bit hit and miss, and can break the spells cast by surrounding tracks. The album in general has a dreamlike melancholy about it, and when you note that it’s dedicated to the memory of Thom Mcghie, former Briztronix member, it’s a fitting testament. Shazam and Bacon have turned their grief into deep and beautiful art, retained their humour, and produced a premium lounge room LP.
