
Unbelievable! literally. The first time I listened to Bauchklang's "Many People", the groups first album since 2001, I thought "what an interesting sound". It had a quality I just couldn't place. It sounded... different. The instrumentation was clean and rhythmic, melodic yet methodical and I could tell some of it was beatbox. The truth is, it's all beatbox and that's what is so hard to believe.
Track Listing:
Intro
12/8
Rhythm Of Time
Good You Do
Barking News
Radio
Navigator
Many People
Sorry For Delay
Fancy Dress
Record
Every Day
Don't Step
Paleo - Warp
Another View
Cypress Trees (remix)
Despite the fact that there are no synthesizers at work, Bauchklang, the six member band self-described as a "vocal groove project" is firmly rooted in electronic music. You'll hear influences from sources as varied as dub, drum'n'bass, 80s wave, and hip-hop, and their sound is so tight, you won't have any idea of the trouble behind recording this album, from personnel changes to their very personal desire to prove they can produce more than one critically acclaimed album.
Equal parts experimental and accessible, Many People leaves no doubt that Bauchklang are a musical force that deserves attention and praise. From standout tracks like the spatial and circulating "12/8", to "Rhythm Of Time" and it's undeniably deep groove, and on to the down tempo vibe of "Radio", or the mid-tempo, percussive groover "Navigator", this album unfolds one surprise after another.
Although the same effect of its 17 tracks on Many People could have been achieved with only 12, it's no reason to complain. Bauchklang have delivered an exceptional work. It's hard to believe the human voice can be used to produce such solid bass kicks and synth-like tones. Listening to the rhythms and melodies these six musicians lay down with such inhuman precision and depth is nothing short of astounding.
Keeps your ears open for the first single from this album with remixes of "Barkin' News" and "Rhythm Of Time" by DJ Vadim of Ninja Tune and Jazz Fudge fame as well as Sofa Surfers member Wolfgang "I-Wolf" Schlögl.