Renaissance Man Project
It’s shameful that it’s taken me so long to write up a review of a release by one of my favorite artists, but better late than never I suppose. Renaissance Man Project, released at the beginning of November on Turbo records, is the latest creation of Finnish duo Renaissance Man, who I’ve praised profusely on many occasions in the past. Their new LP spans the spectrum all the way from bizzare, yet extremely creative art-house type music, to insanely catchy basslines and infectious drum riffs that will crawl inside your head and stay there for days. This album definitely warrants the use the word “Project” in the title, because it has the feel of musicians who really wanted to push their boundaries and see what they could come up with.
On some tracks, specifically “Stalker Humanoid,” “Knocking Doors,” and “Nonsensus,” the guys stay true to their tech-house roots, constructing complex beats and incorporating eclectic samples of gongs, chimes and even bouncing ping-pong balls. (Side note: the ping-pong ball sample at the beginning of “Nonsensus” immediately reminded me of the sample used in Marble Anthem) On the other hand, the album also has some songs, like “Vancouver” and “Sensemaker,” are a bit harder to wrap your head around. The dance elements in each song are still strong at points, and when you hear them it’s hard not to admire the way Renaissance Man can craft a rhythm out of even the oddest and most unnerving pads and samples.
All in all, I have a mountain of respect for these guys. Not simply because of their tremendous skill as producers, but also in their willingness to push the envelope to create something brilliant and unique. Go pick up the whole album ASAP, Renaissance Man Project has quickly established itself as one of my favorite albums of 2011.
Nikolai Kopeloi- Renaissance Man
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