Cole; Louis And Genevieve Artadi: Think Thoughts

The press release for Think Thoughts, which is the second offering from Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi, describes the duo as "experimental-electronic-fusion-funk-popsters". For the uninitiated like me, that translates into dance music with a hint of funk and a touch of jazz. Now at this stage I'll throw my hands in the air and admit the me and dance do not get on and therefore my thoughts on Think Thoughts are that I think it is bloody hard going. That said the performances on the album are impressive, with Cole's drumming and percussive work on the album being exemplary, and there's no denying that Artadi has a quite wonderful voice.

A quick blast of the opening pair of "Gotta Be Another Way" and "Things About You" will be enough to judge whether you want to go any further with Think Thoughts. The huge beats, synth parps and relentless hi-hat clicking of "Gotta...", will either have you gyrating wildly, or running for cover, whereas the sparse musical jabs and 100 mile an hour percussion of "Things..." just ups the intensity further. This is music that needs to experienced in clubland to make sense and to a non dance head, the whole experience becomes amazingly dreary. Imagine if Pure Reason Revolution had taken the elctro-dance element from Amor Vincit Omnia and shaken every last ounce of Prog from it and you'll get an idea of where this duo are heading. Even as a huge admirer of that PRR release, Think Thoughts is a long, long way from connecting with me.

However there's also a layer of intellect to this music and while I really don't like it, I do admire it. Vocally things are immense, with carefree, but immaculate melodies always feeling intentionally at odds with their surroundings, while the little nuances that hide behind the over emphasised synth clutter are rather beguiling. "Out There" is exactly that, basically being an ambient wash with vocals, while the more overtly jazz of "Here Comes The Big One" does offer more melody to grasp out for.

Uncompromising and expertly crafted Think Thoughts will undoubtedly split opinions and while I have to admit as to having been impressed by it, I have to admit to also being equally relieved that I'll never have to listen to it again. If you enjoyed Cole and Artadi's debut, you'll love this. Jazz and Prog purists should think other thoughts.

Track Listing
1. Gotta Be Another Way
2. Things About You
3. Paying The Price
4. Around
5. What Did I Do To You
6. Here Comes The Big One
7. I Remember
8. Out There
9. Thats Where You Are
10. Things About You (Remix)

Added: March 30th 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Cole-Artadi Facebook page
Hits: 2045
Language: english

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