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[haven] - Amity


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For those who has nearly lost hope for [haven] to return to his musical roots (meaning the two first albums) I have good news: ‘Amity’ has more in common with ‘The Last Breath…’ and ‘Naos’ than with ‘A2982’. And although it is still not the kind of tune like those from the above mentioned albums, I think it unwise to expect Mr. Jarmulski to prey on his own concepts so explicitly.

As I mentioned, ‘Amity’ functions as an amalgamation of what [haven] has already presented, which at the same time does not mean the album has nothing new to offer. Experiment is still a key word here, but not in the amounts like on ‘A2982’. The first three tracks are a mixture of electronics and oriental sounds, which I’m sure has already become a trademark of MJ. Good tracks, those three, nothing to complain about, however the tunes in which Magda Głocka comes onto stage are what I find most interesting on this LP. ‘Nothing To Go On’ (the first track with Głocka’s vocals) is one of the finest tracks on the album, reminding me somewhat of Aphex Twin, which only works for its advantage. In ‘THC’ Jarmulski flirts with trip-hop rhythms (oh, this characteristic beat!), and given a chance ‘Transmission’ could easily fit into one of the MJ first records. ‘Great Big Ocean’ is yet another exquisite track with Głocka’s great vocals. Soothing rhythm, light electronics and a bit melancholic vocals is a fine blend indeed. Too bad it ends so fast. Right after the ‘After The Sunset’, a short and experimental tune, there comes a time for another interesting track, namely ‘Wake Up’, in which atmospheric background is joined by a regular beat. ‘The Knife’ continues the experiments, decorated with Magda Głocka’s vocals, and although it is not as involving as the previous tracks, there is still some vibe to it. A matter of taste, I suppose. [haven]’s fifth album ends with calm ‘Final Cut’, and that is all MJ and company have to offer.

I like the direction in which [haven] is going. Less experimenting and more concept-based composition is what let the music of Marcin Jarmulski reclaim its edge. Too bad, however, that the voice of Magda Głocka can be heard in only a few tunes, which I hope will change on their next album.

Tracklist:

01. I let my love go
02. Somewhere in the middle east
03. Jerusalem under fire
04. Nothing to go on
05. No way to exit (modern city lament)
06. THC
07. Transmission
08. Great big ocean
09. After the sunset
10. Wake up
11. The knife
12. Final cut
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Translator: fiuri
Add date: 2011-08-11 / Music reviews


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