Search - Adrian Belew :: Side Two

Mind over matter

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 06/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Through everything Adrian's done in the music world, from catchy pop to brain-twisting experimental lunacy, what's in his head has been just as important as what comes from his instrument(s). He's concerned not just with music but sound itself. He does great things with harmonics, but the emphasis is on how he can make things *sound*, whether it's creating beautiful synthscapes, simple elegant melodies or animal-like skronks and squeals. His drumming isn't nearly as virtuosic as his guitar ability, but he's at least got a good understanding of rhythm as well.



So where does Side Two fall in the catalogue? Firmly in the experimental camp. There are a couple hooks and gripping melodies to be found, but we're mainly dealing with electronic loops, abstract sounds and minimalist lyrics. Like Side One it's quite short (33:14); enough not to seem excessive, although it really should have been priced as an EP instead of a full-length. Anyway, to me it comes across as much more successful than the mishmosh that was Op Zop Too Wah (his last album in the avant-garde vein), possibly because it doesn't overstay its welcome. Even if some of the electro-beats are a little cheesy, it's a fine middle segment to this trilogy.. and anyway, the best is still to come with Side Three.



While this disc is more experimental than S1, it's paradoxically more cohesive & accessible as well. Even going from soft balladry with an abstract edge ("Asleep," "Face to Face") to upbeat electronic grooves ("Sunlight," "Dead Dog on Asphalt") to sneakily catchy guitar work (the disc's high point "Sex Nerve"), there's a definite overall vibe that stays in place without roaming all over the map. There's almost always a pulse to follow, but it'll take some good time (and good headphones) to really get into the details.



Side Two fittingly falls in the middle of the scale - not his best album but far from his worst; not essential for all fans, but not just for completists either. If nothing else, AB can never be accused of standing still or falling into a rut. Come here sooner or later to complete the trilogy.. just try not to pay the full list price if you can help it."