Brisbane producer Ben Fairweather has delivered a very solid debut with this album under the name Ens. On the Groovescooter label, Warp & Weft is dark, edgy digital jazz that draws its influences from Cinematic Orchestra, Amon Tobin and probably Rob Mazureks Chicago Underground Trio and the Grassy Knoll. Featuring the moody horn of Sloth, known best for his work with seminal Sydney hip hoppers Meta Bass & Breath, there are some wonderful moments on this smoky record and the two tracks featuring vocalists, Inga Liljestrom who has worked with The Baggsmen, and head-Grooverscooter Georgie Zuzak remain suitably abstract to keep the mood, and become more inviting with each listen. The only flaw in this is the flabbiness in the production of some of the drum sounds. This is particularly the case on Introvertusoso which plods along like a mid 80s crime drama theme on a terribly dull kick sound. Otherwise a fine and most promising debut and worth seeking out.
Sebastian Chan |
