Genre Peak – Your Sleekest Engine (CD Album – Gonzo Multimedia)
Genre/Influences: Electro-ambient, cinematographic, IDM.
Background/Info: Martin Birke, better known under the Genre Peak moniker is back on track unleashing a new full length. The previous EP “Fix Me Deeper” was an exciting exploration into sophisticated electro fields so I was really wondering what the new album would sound like. The main particularity of the work is the contribution of some several –and some famous, guest artists. Musicians like Steve Jansen (Japan), Jon Hassell (Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno), Richard Barbieri (Japan, Porcupine Tree), Matt Malley (Counting Crows) and singers like Lesley Braden (Fast Arrow) and Charlie Woodward are rather good company to accomplish an album.
Content: Genre Peak is always on a new sonic voyage and you never know what kind of influences he will explore. The new work is a new exploration and I dare to say a sonic exorcism of diverse ideas.
The opening tracks are more into cinematographic passages leading the listener to discover psychedelic guitar parts and evasive atmospheres. The work moves from trip-hop rhythms towards IDM treatments. The songs are diversified as the vocals.
“Fix Me Deeper” remains a brilliant and mysterious song carried by the Arabian chants. Genre Peak now visits pure electro-ambient fields, which are intelligent and complex. You’ll also notice a flavor of dub music and new electro-ambient creations revealing impressive sound treatments.
+ + + : Diversity for sure is the keyword of this work, but it also is one of the main strengths. Genre Peak experiments with multiple influences, but the more electro-ambient and few IDM tracks are the most accomplished ones. “Fix Me Deeper” plus the “Richard Barbieri Mix” both remain the most noticeable and intriguing songs. The contribution of all the famous guests will for sure bring this album into the spotlights.
– – – : Diversity also is the little minus point as I personally prefer the more sophisticated and intelligent electronic cuts of Genre Peak. If you already know the EP “Fix Me Deeper” you already know the best cuts of this album. It could have been more interesting adding a new (re)mix of this great song.
Conclusion: Genre Peak is a kind of sonic chameleon, which can transform its sound into multiple exposures. This is a versatile album revealing several noticeable cuts.
Best songs: Fix Me Deeper”, “Fix Me Deeper – Richard Barbieri Mix”, “Metanoia”, “American Civil Rage”.
Rate: (7).
Band: www.genrepeak.net / www.facebook.com/GenrePeak
Label: www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk / www.facebook.com/Gonzo–Multimedia-304756449589666
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