Album of the Month : April 1999
Soulwax :
" Much against everyone's advice "
Play It Again Sam (B)
Coming out almost simultaneously with dEUS and ZITA SWOON's new releases, " Much against everyone's advice" brings yet another proof of how brilliant and creative the current Belgian scene is. A most pleasant surprise indeed, as Ghent-based SOULWAX weren't particularly greeted as Flander's brightest hopes after their somewhat disappointing debut "Leave the story untold" (96): a mildly exciting pastiche of late 60's heavy rock that didn't have the slightest chance to lead the band anywhere.
"Much against..." is a definitive improvement on every point. Just listen to the first minute of the opening song Conversation Intercom: BECK HANSEN meets dEUS on this truly terrific track which combines uplifting rhythms, sparkling pop tunes and ear-tickling gimmickry to an amazing effect. Actually, this is only the first of a series of highlights which continues through the addictive Saturday and the irresistible guitar attack of the title track, lingers over the faultless trilogy Proverbial pants, Salty knowledge of tears and Flying without tears (ideally enhanced by JASON FALKNER's wondrous string arrangements), meets the bludgeoning assaults of Too many DJ's, culminates with the unclassifiable - let's try something like, erm, "Trip-core"...- My cruel joke (featuring TRACEY BONHAM on vocals), before the heavy riffs of Funny finally brings a full stop to this exceptional album.
SOULWAX has managed to find the perfect balance between North-American efficacy and Belgian unpredictable sensitiveness. May this stunning alchemy bring more records like this one.
PLAY IT AGAIN SAM, 100 rue de Veeweyde, 1070 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM.
Tel: + 32 25 58 58 11. Fax: + 32 25 58 58 01. http://www.pias.be