As someone who once sat at home on a Saturday night and read an entire web page analyzing (and deciphering) the lyrics of "Bug Powder Dust" (because no, I basically don't have a life), I was very excited for the latest Bomb The Bass album, Back To Light. I was expecting some upbeat, synth-heavy grooves similar to the aforementioned memorable and fascinating lyrical opus. I was also very curious about the track featuring Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. And for that matter, what the hell took so long?
It's a bold move, after all, to take what is essentially a seven-year hiatus- especially in the electronic music world, where things move fast. The 2008 release Future Chaos, following Simenon's work as a producer in the late 90's with Dutch label Electric Tones, was a bleak yet effective blur of analog chirps and moody lyrics, but left me missing the sassy pop and sizzle of, okay you got me, "Bug Powder Dust." When I heard that Back To Light would be, say, lighter, I found myself waiting with bated breath. I must emphasize that I'm not outright disappointed; it's just not quite what I expected. In other words, there is nothing light about this album, although it certainly takes some interesting directions with its guest appearances.
"The Infinites" features prior collaborator Paul Conboy, who sang on Future Chaos' "So Special." Heavy with Mini Moog pulses and Juno-esque sweeps, it would be so easy to beat-match it up to any studio outtake of Depeche Mode's Ultra hit "Barrel of a Gun" or perhaps the blistering instrumental "Painkiller." As a major Modie, I won't lie to you and say that "It's no good" (lol @ Mode pun) because of this; after all, Tim Simenon's work on Ultra is what led me to Bomb The Bass years ago.
However, this means that like most people who have followed him for so long, I was honestly expecting something a little different and more innovative. I'm happy enough with what came out and glad that he's still in the game, while continuing to include some of my favorite musicians in the mix. However, why stop there...and why the long face? "Price On Your Head," featuring vocalist Richard Davis (techno pioneer of music projects Cybotron and 3070, as well as numerous collaborations with Detroit techno guru Juan Atkins), is reminiscent of late-90's British electronic music in a nostalgia trip which Future Chaos enthusiasts might appreciate. But for those of us who got hooked on the urban, roots-rap flavors of 1988's groundbreaker Into The Dragon or the electro-riot sample-heavy stylings of 1991's Unknown Territory, it seems the album would be better balanced with a bit of lighter fare.
Even so, none of my musings on what the album could or should have been, are any attempt to discredit what it is. If you liked Tim Simenon's previous darker material, you'll feel right at home with the relentless, moody beats of Back To Light. "Blindspot" is alluringly hypnotic and showcases the wonders of analog synthesis in a beautiful way...those spacey Mini Moog lead lines have never sounded better. Anyone who likes downtempo electronic music is bound to appreciate it. "Burn Less Brighter" is another nod to trip-hop, yet still fast enough to start the dance floor moving.
Another notable hand in this album is Brazilian electronic music producer Gui Boratto, who worked with Bomb The Bass on the single "Black River" (featuring Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees), as well as with 80's club-boy favorites Pet Shop Boys and trip-hop giants Massive Attack. His album Chromaphobia might be of interest for fans of Bomb The Bass. Finally, I can't wrap it up without mentioning the much-anticipated instrumental "Milakia" and the obviously Gore-tastic musical contributions. This is a must-hear for Depeche Mode fans, whether of the Ultra era or otherwise. It's analog at its best (contrary to popular misconception, Gore contributes keyboards and not vocals) and a definite throwback to many later Depeche Mode instrumentals.
In short, this is a good one to put on when you're wandering around the city on a cold and foggy day. It certainly has its place in Tim Simenon's musical career and is a notable bookmark in the history of Bomb The Bass. In case you were wondering what he's been up to, it's a better answer by far than, "Nothing." I find myself breathing a sigh of relief that Tim Simenon is back to something, whether light or not.
