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Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
(Laboratory Instinct)
Gerald Simpson aka A
Guy Called Gerald has been at the front of the game when it comes to
innovative music. Ever since the early days of rave, his 'Hot Lemonade'
album and his collaborations with 808 State on 'Newbuild' have pushed
major buttons. The 'Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2' EP is special indeed,
with the first track taking a minimal stand but packing the soundscape
full to bursting. There's a jungle feel to the atmosphere and this fits
well with the reverberated bongos, which have EQ'd to absolute perfection.
(M7/M8)
[Reviewer: Mark EG]
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A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct
It sounds like
Gerald has got the minimal inclined sound of his first 'Proto Acid
Sessions' out of his system. This time around, he focuses his efforts on
live drums, shuffling rhythms and even some ethnic chants, but he sounds
most impressive when striking a balance between deep house keys and
plunging acid lines.
(4 stars out of 5)
[Reviewer unknown]
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A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct (Ger), LI012
A Guy Called
Gerald's 'Proto Acid Berlin Sessions' live mix, released last summer, was
just awesome and is still getting caned in my car: here we have the
accompanying vinyl EP, with two blissfully composed soulful techno tracks
to lose yourself to. The A-side is the strongest cut - haunting and
tribal. It sounds like a native's hunting call from the jungle. It's long
and meanders in an extremely hypnotic fashion.
(3 stars out of 5)
[Reviewer: Kai 1]
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A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid The Berlin Sessions 2 Sampler
Laboratory Instinct
Ever
since the early 90's, many DJ's and producers have been of major
importance to the acid scene, but how many of them survived? Among few
others, A Guy Called Gerald did and proved to be a solid factor in the
acid community. For almost two decades now, A Guy Called Gerald can be
considered one of the pioneers in the genre, with a fanbase stretching
from here to the moon and back. These days, he resides in Berlin where he
recently launched two brand new labels, Sugio and Protechshon, while
having worked on the follow-up of last year's critically acclaimed Proto
Acid The Berlin Sessions 1. The two tracks on this sampler should give an
impression of Gerald's new output. Here we go...
The first track, Voltar (Bring Da Rain Mix) is a perfect example of A
Guy....'s sound: acid mixed with beautiful detroit techno. Easy beats and
lots of violins and loungey keys take us into Gerald's world of sound,
after which slightly bongo's take control. The wonderful, almost classical
vibe that Gerald presents is maintained though, with subtle placed
elements resulting in a magnificent piece of work. Later on, the track
seems to speed up as well as introducing minimal techno sounds to the
sequence, which is quite an unexpected yet very cool trick. Soon enough
though, the track seems to redeem itself into that warm, almost loungey
'detroit techno meets acid'-vibe. Unbelievably well produced. Top marks
for this one.
"...it can only be described as simply breath-taking."
Second one on the sampler is Sweet You. Starting off with an off-beat kick
and lots of shakers, this one even further explores the border between
acid and techno. Although off-beat, the rhythm is highly dancable and
incredibly funky. The track comes with many breaks, and even more
instruments and effects, but this is done in such a subtle and prolific
way that it can only be described as simply breath-taking. This is not
only a perfect track to dance to; it's also a perfect track to listen to
at home as well. You'll discover a different musical journey every time.
The new tracks Gerald introduces on this sampler are close to perfection.
Too bad the sampler came with only two tracks: It should have come with at
least five. Or ten. Or including the final version. Fact is, definitely
when you're into acid, that this is likely going to be a release you
cannot afford to miss. It's warm, it's deep, it's divine and you want it.
Bad.
Rating: 8.5 out of
10.0
[Reviewer: Youri Jozee (NL) (2007-07-19)]
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A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct
A Guy Called Gerald
fans will be delighted to hear that, having already turned heads with last
year's Proto Acid The Berlin Sessions, Gerald Simpson will soon issue a
second instalment. This 12-inch appetizer from the acid house innovator
provides a tasty foretaste of the full course to come, though the cuts
themselves are radically different in character, one an exotic dance piece
and the other a sleek Detroit-styled burner.
“Voltar” (Bring Da Rain mix) opens with a grooving tribal swing that
places it at the center of a jungle. Though a high-pitched hooting call
deepens the vibe, there's nothing primitive about Simpson's artful
handling of the material, especially when handclaps and an insistent
bass-and-drum rumble give the cut a modern, club-house sheen. The
twelve-minute “Sweet You” shows Simpson's inimitable talent for crafting
deep Motor City grooves, even if its 'Petticoat Junction' drum brushes
intro makes it feel like it's originating from Hooterville. Silken synth
chords provide night-time ambiance as piano lines dance brightly atop
percolating drums and bass lines. A particularly sweet moment occurs
halfway through when the tune pauses to catch its breath, and then snaps
to attention with the punchy drum pattern leading the charge.
Interestingly, the tribal feel of “Voltar” re-emerges once again though
now transported into the center of the nocturnal cityscape.
June 2007
This review also appears in Grooves.
[Reviewer: unknown]
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