Search - Booka Shade :: Sun & The Neonlight (W/CD)

Fantastic downtempo turn for the duo.

Doctor Trance | MA, United States | 06/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leaving their massive club hits behind can be either a good or bad thing, depending on which way you look at it. While I really can't stomach listening to Mandarine Girl or Body Language much any more, as they've become too played out in my head, I could listen to Night Falls and In White Rooms every day of the week. Some hits stay with you, and others you want nothing more to do with once they've found their way onto the 5th DJ mixed cd you've heard in the past few months. The Sun and The Neon Light may not have any of the dance floor stomping hits you've come to expect from Booka, they've returned with a solid excursion into downtempo melodies and cinematic-like soundscapes.



I don't think it's an album that needs to grow on you, as at first listen, the intial 3 tracks have very catchy and accessible melodies to begin the album. It changes back and forth from new wave like, synth-pop vocal tunes, to downtempo minimal, to upbeat tech house tracks. There's still your share of get up and dance tracks like Karma Car, Planetary, and the well reviewed single, Charlotte. They've also included a radio mix of they very catchy sythn-pop track, Numbers, which they first introduced on their DJ-Kicks mix CD. The only issue I have with the album is them not including their track Tickle, which was released on vinyl along with Karma Car. I liked that track a lot, in fact, better than Karma Car.



Those seeking more euphoric and upbeat tracks like those found on Movements may be a little disappointed, as the album definitely takes on a feel like they are attempting to become more creative with their electronica, rather than trying to appease the masses and find their way onto 8 mix Cd's this year.



For those of you who are hesitant at purchasing this new album because of this lack of dance floor oriented electro and tech house, there's also the limited edition version found here: The Sun & the Neon Light. It's currently an import, and hopefully the price will come down for US buyers. It's not a must have, unless you are looking for a more upbeat sound. The 2nd disc features remixes of most of the album tracks, and also includes two tracks not found on Disc 1. It isn't exactly a DJ mix per se, but it is continuously mixed. If you can find it for a decent price, it's well worth having both discs, as it's interesting to see all the album tracks morph into club tracks, to get an insight into what the album could have been if it remained all upbeat.



I'm very impressed with this album, and find myself listening to both discs of the Limited Edition quite frequently. I think they both provide a different feel, and I haven't become spoiled by hearing the 2nd disc of remixes, as I still find the original versions interesting enough to stand alone. There are 14 tracks on the main album disc, and I'd say I found 12 of them to be above average. Add the Limited Edition's 11-track, 2nd disc, which really doesn't have any weak tracks, and you're getting a lot of music from one of the best duos in today's electronica. You really can't go wrong as those not preferring the more downtempo and vocal vibes of the album, should have no trouble with the peppy, 2nd disc mix on the limited edition: The Sun & the Neon Light."

They just keep getting better and better...

D. Dowd | San Bruno, CA United States | 06/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found out about Booka Shade about 2 years ago when my brother was living in Ireland. I've been a big fan ever since.

Their third studio album, entitled "The Sun & The Neon Light", is by far their most mature and focused to date. They still know their way around the studio, but they seem to have taken a different route this time. While their penchant for a minimal approach remains intact, they seem to have tweaked it and have created something thoroughly enjoyable. Their last effort was a delight for the ears but just lacked the real depth that this one has.

Give it a listen, you wont regret it.



Key tracks include: Control Me, Charlotte, Sweet Lies and Psychameleon. But they're all great.



Also, if you ever get the chance to catch these guys live, do it."