| Print |

Written by Josh Vise Saturday, 04 October 2008 09:09

The energetic vocal delivery stands in sharp contrast to some of the more brooding melodies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the success of Juba Dance's Orange, Ben Lamar and Polyphonic, the Verbose (a.k.a. Will Freyman) outsource their particular brand of synthetic, hip-hop-infused technofunk to DJs and remix artists across the world. The result is Orange Juiced, an album that not so much combines sounds as mulches them up and flings the concoction into your ears.

The energetic vocal delivery stands in sharp contrast to some of the more brooding melodies. Nowhere is this more evident than on Sicker Man's Thick remix of "Cachaaüa." A velvet orchestral sample slides from one note to the next, while the upbeat raconteur sings/speaks the lyric, "My thing is to play this horn and make sure every one that's born move their booty."

The excellent production and interesting synthesis of instruments and electronic elements creates a lush environment in which the listener can lose himself. Despite no one single theme permeating the entire album, Orange Juiced comes across very naturally and vibrantly, moving from upbeat to moodier, mid-tempo compositions by the album's end. Several tracks are meant to be heard on the dance floor, most notably Flesh O.N.E.'s remix of "Favorite Words."

While the lyrics are vary from the interesting to the purely bizarre, there are few big hooks that leave one humming in the car on the way to work. "Documents...What" is the lone exception, providing the lyrical spark to set this musical kindling ablaze.

The final verdict: Juba Dance's sophomore collection of new songs and remixes serves as an excellent sampler of this band's work. B+ | Josh Vise

RIYL: 12 Rounds, Danger Doom, Gnarls Barkley