On Bodycode’s second full-length release, three years after The Conservation of Electric Change, Alan Abrahams continues to purvey a style of house that infuses minimal techno’s restraint with syncopated beats. Bodycode’s posi-warm house brand is replete with restrained vocal sampling, heaping layers upon layers of beats into a full stack of syrup-drenched gingerbread club-cakes.
Abrahams grew up in South Africa, but has spent the majority of his musical career in Europe. That snippet of his biography goes a long way towards explaining why some are likening his work to a mélange of Steve Reich and Kraftwerk. As often occurs with minimal techno, the dance beats here are subtle and arranged for the most deliberate and talented dancers, those able to move with the back-beat and sparse snare snaps. However, there is more texture and soul vocals, and, as such, this club-oriented work is more house than minimal.
In explaining the style and intent on Immune, Abraham notes that he feels it is “a good time for a warm, nurturing aesthetic.” Much of that aspect is derived from natural sources of inspiration: rocks, sea, light, sound. That romantic approach seems to work, for the absence of dark, aggressive beats or broody intellectual minimalism helps complete a formula that is customized for the dancefloor. It’s a grassy field, a picnic of a dance record, like a mimosa or a desert spring.
The lead single “What Did You Say” is also the most distinguishable track. The vocals provided by Lerato work perfectly with a warm and affectionate snynth-bass rhythm that tugs along a steam-powered melody. Bodycode’s specialty seems to be layering — putting together perfectly matched song elements that work in conjunction, with what seems like extreme care and deliberation. There is nothing sloppy or out of place on this record, and those with a taste for electronica should be able to appreciate the craftsmanship. Perhaps not the most intense or memorable techno music, but certainly deserving of a place in your collection, Immune is another fine outing from the excellent Ghostly International imprint.
1. Meaning And Memory
2. Hyperlight
3. I'll Hold Your Hand
4. What Did You Say
5. Imitation Lover
6. Arigato
7. Subspace Radio
8. Spacial Harmonics
9. Immune
More about: Bodycode
