Transmission Low

Trash Disco

Written by: TL on 25/06/2009 15:57:51

My God. Someone's been listening to Pendulum alright. It seems an annoying given that the Danish music scene is bound to slavishly follow the English one like a miniature shadow, and as such, I guess it was only a matter of time before someone tried their hand at the whole new rave trend. And no, Veto do not count, I hold them in higher esteem than that. Instead, the first band to make a pass at this style is known as Transmission Low, a three piece from the Danish capital who have recently released their debut LP titled "Trash Disco".

It doesn't take a full spin to reveal what "Trash Disco" is playing at. It is dark, dirty and meant for the dancefloor. Most songs build from simple beats and guitar riffs, adding layers and layers of samples and noises progressively, reaching entrancing conclusions while Mads Hansen assaults the listener with his vocals - taking on the characteristics of shouts through a megaphone rather than actual singing. It must be stressed that the concept of 'rave' seems to be the key to getting this, because that's the situation in which you can most easily imagine songs from "Trash Disco" to sound from the speakers. I get it, but it leads me to one question: On today's dancefloors, are progressions built on roughly unchanging beats really what the crowd wants? Will they notice the layers being added one by one while they're movin' and groovin', high on their favourite substance? I admit, I'm not much of a clubbing' kind of guy, but in my mind, good dance music is usually a bit more cheeky rhythmically, with small breaks and quick changes in pace to spice things up for the dancers. Is it just me, or does this seem more like the kind of thing that's bound to get monotonous real quick unless you're flying high on some drug?

In any case, even if this does inhibit Transmission Low in their attempts to conquer the underground dancefloors, this isn't my main concern when listening to it. In fact, when listening casually, it is fairly interesting, simply because this is the state of mind in which you have the presence to notice the mentioned progressions and layering. This is where the music will reveal it's uncompromising yet inventive nature to you, offering a good deal of quirky details that make the whole thing worth the while all by themselves. However, I did imply that there was a more pressing issue weighing down even these pros. You see I'm wondering if this thing really has got anything going against its foreign competition? Will this persuade fans who already roll with Pendulum, Innerpartysystem or even Enter Shikari to come on board too? I guess that depends on how hungry they are for more. I personally would rather go for any of those bands mentioned and each of them would satisfy my, granted quite humble, thirst for new rave.

So I guess that paints the picture doesn't it? "Trash Disco" is a good record, championed by tracks like "Mess Mess Mess" and "Sexy Beast" as they do the most to transcend the boundaries I described earlier, however, like I've said, this could end up being more of a success in your headphones than in your local dance club. But with a lack of super catchy singles and with a release date only days before the much awaited and critically praised sophomore of Enter Shikari the question lingers - Is anyone going to be interested in this even after the dust of "Common Dreads" have settled?

6

Download: Mess Mess Mess, La La La, Sexy Beast
For The Fans Of: Pendulum, Innerpartysystem, Enter Shikari
Listen: myspace.com/transmissionlow

Release Date 08.06.2009
City Hall Music

Related Items | How we score?
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

Legal

© Copyright MMXXIV Rockfreaks.net.