Right in the heart of the new generation of experimental
musicians, who have ditched the “all electronic”
ethic of the nineties for a more open approach, Soulo
tie up their connections with the post-rock movement
with this first proper album. Already adept crossing
over genres, Shawn King and Nate Flannigan drill deeper
into jazz and leftfield rock to expend their electronic
horizon.
Both former art students at the same school, King and
Flannigan started their collaboration after getting
back in touch a few years ago in Chicago. Despite both
men having served in a variety of rock bands, they choose
to add computers to their music, and explore more abstract
structures. Man, The Manipulator follows the
duo’s first self-titled
debut mini-album, released on Plug Research a year
and a half ago. Far more diverse than its predecessor,
this new album sees Soulo take their mix of downbeat
electronica and post rock into darker, more complex
territories. Here again though, the pair keep their
compositions short and sweet, sometimes breaking their
longer tracks into contrasting segments, reinforcing
the impression of constant change of focus. There are
two main poles on this record. On one side, the pair
present a very upbeat and complex side to their music,
highlighted on the opening track, What Do You Say
After Hello??? Developing this jazz-infused composition
around basic electronic sounds, King and Flannigan twist
their original sonic scope, setting the tone for a much
more mature and adventurous sound. On the other, the
band retreat behind delicate acoustic melodies supported
by shy electronic constructions, building pretty little
pop songs more in tune with their previous work. In
between stand a range of variations on both incarnations,
making this album an interesting, if sometimes too studious,
release. Although electronic structures form the backbone
of this record, the emphasis is on real instrumentation,
with King and Flannigan developing beautiful melodies
over complex sound formations, at times making some
space for vocal elements, turning delicate instrumentals
into unlikely pop songs. Featuring contributions from
label mate John Tejada, Circle vocalist Jussi Lehtisalo
and Brooklyn-based Ted Casterline, Man, The Manipulator
shows a more daring side to Soulo’s music.
Man, The Manipulator seems to catch Soulo on
transit between their jovial early work and a more mature
and ambitious sound. This album demonstrates the great
ability of the band to write intricate music and remain
very accessible, and reaffirm Soulo as one of the acts
to watch.
3.9/5 |
