Various Artists - Boys Noize Presents: BNR Volume One (Album)
Originating in Germany, BNR Volume One is the first compilation from Boys Noize Records. It features a wide range of international underground DJs. Unfortunately the two disc album opens up on a very slow start. Many of the tracks are missing important qualities that make up an engaging electro song. Majority are extremely boring; for example tracks like Poke feature a slow uninteresting repetitious loop that feels like its building up to a really funky chorus, which never comes. Sure, I understand repetition is the fundamental core of electro music, but the techniques used in BNR volume one are dull and uninteresting.
Having said that there is some good to come out of this album; considering it is a compilation of different DJ’s you get a few hits and misses. Tracks such as The Geeks Were Right and Schwarzfahrer have a really entertainingly futuristic sound. They utilise the balance between sung lyrics and manufactured electronic sounds excellently.
Disc two has some of the same problems; the main one being dragged out loops leading to a mediocre main chorus, which left me very frustrated.
But the second CD is better than the first; it has more tracks with better beats and more appealing robotic sounds. Songs like Thomas feature an electrically charged chorus, with a good amount of bass.
I love the use of lyrics in dance music; I think it can really hold a track together. Many of the songs in BNR don’t use lyrics but Ready Or Not is a good example of this technique; it has a fast paced bass theme, but is moved along by intoxicatingly deep vocals.
Both CD’s have a balanced mix between old school and modern electro music, giving the album a good variety. It has a very clear trance theme; with its infectious loops. Overall I found many of the tracks painful to listen to; they were quite harsh and seemed to go nowhere. I don’t think this album can really be completely enjoyed, unless you were in a dance club scenario.
