Search - New Deal :: New Deal

Live on record is better, but live live is better better

KRossHoff@aol.com | swarthmore pa | 11/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A few weeks ago, I went to a concert by the best hip-hop band in the world. I've seen them before, and knew they would deliver an exciting and dynamic set. And they did. However, what really got me excited that night was not the Roots, but a trio of unlikely looking fellows in button-down shirts who were on the stage when I walked into the venue. Like the Roots, this group's MO is to take a genre of music often decried for an excessive reliance on machinery, and to inject it with an incredible level of energy through the exclusive use of live instruments. (...) Even more than the jazz-inflected funk verite of the Root's hip-hop, though, the New Deal's music is something truly unique, perhaps paradoxical: live techno. Using only a drum set, a bass guitar, and a couple of keyboards, the New Deal create what they describe as "progressive breakbeat house." It's odd that a group whose performance philosophy is not unlike that of a post-bop jazz combo - collective improvisation directed by spontaneous nonverbal communication, and reined in only by a groove and perhaps some sense of harmonic direction - should feel compelled to pigeonhole themselves into a sub-genre with such specificity. But that description is a surprisingly accurate one. It just drives the point across that the New Deal aren't some self-indulgent, jam band prone to twenty-minute solos, but a tight ensemble with one undisputable purpose. Forty-five seconds into their self-titled debut studio album, just before a low, sinister disco-throb bursts into stunning syncopated three-four synth-funk, a voice advises "if you've got a pair of headphones, you better get 'em on and get 'em cranked up." I say forget that - drop the 'phones and get on the floor. This is dance music, as infectious and funky as it is clean and precise. It is, indeed, progressive breakbreat house. They do such a good job of imitating electronically created music that it's hard to distinguish anything "live" about their self-titled debut studio recording. It comes across as enjoyable and funky, but essentially deriviate techno. Not to say that it isn't a worthwhile recording on its own merits, independent of process, but ultimately what's special about the New Deal is the fact that they are a live band. Until you witness them in action, you just have to take their word for it. And if you have a chance to see them, do not miss it. Take my word for it. (6/10, but 4/5)"

Why doesnt anyone know about this band?!?!!

Alex J. Avriette | Arlington, Virginia USA | 07/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band is incredible.stop.This band is incredible.Really. They are terrific. Its very jazzy and very progressive. Theres a lot of house in this album, but at the same time we get luscious breakbeats. Let me put this another way. Live, there are three of them. Keyboards, guitarist, and drummer. What techno band do you know of that can come up with breakbeat house with those three instruments? Not many. Next question: what breakbeat house bands do you know that can play with Herbie Hancock?Yeah. I dont know anyone who can do that. Except the new deal. They are an incredible live band. Their studio album is a little different; it lacks the "edgy" sound of the live act, but it is every bit as enjoyable.If youre looking for house youve found it. Progressive Jass, yep, that too. Even electronicaheads will probably be happy with this album and indeed this band."

Buy "This is Live" first.

Brian Dolan | Somerville, MA United States | 03/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw New Deal live, bought the live albums, and then picked up this studio album. [The amazon listing was recently changed to call this "Live", but I think it's like "studio live" rather than "in a club live"] The entertainment value descends in the same order. What I love about these guys is the human energy that comes through into what's typically machine-driven music, and I think some of it got polished out of this effort. Don't get me wrong -- it's still outstanding -- but try this last."