Aux 88 Presents Black Tokyo - Aux 88 Presents Black Tokyo mp3 album

Well, every sour review needs its foil, and I think this album is brilliant. New or revolutionary? Hardly, but I have never expected that EVER from AUX 88's catalogue. If anything, I rely on them like I rely on UR and Submerge to produce great sounding Detroit techno that doesn't forget its roots. On Black Tokyo they abandon the electro-breaks in favor of electro-house, or electro-techno if you like. Who cares how to define it, it's good. The sound is very smooth, and on more than a few occasions reminded me of the Drexcyian project "the other people place" on Warp. There are lyrics throughout, as is common of most AUX 88 albums, but thematically I really liked what they were saying here. It reminded me of an updated version of songs like "Future" and "Technicolor" by Juan Atkins. I think the exact reason I like AUX 88 so much is because they stay true to their roots, while exploring various different kinds of concepts with each album. I admit, I'm jaded about the amount of garbage being released these days that is supposedly being marketed to me as cutting edge electronic music, and I tend to mostly follow the artists from "back in the day" that have a sense of perspective and history, but also a unique artistic vision, as most of this kind of material is still more forward thinking than most of what the "Laptop generation" can muster. AUX 88 I believe has this, and if you like the softer side of Drexcyia, you should really check this album out.

I think the only saving grace of this album in my view is the production on it, which is flawless, so cleanly put together & most of the sounds are truly amazing, from some of the pads & drum sounds - cut & managed like a surgeon.But the whole thing seems very 'samey' & partially dated in parts too.The lyrics/spoken word poems in 'Soul Of Black' are a futuristic myriad for those who wish to open their minds. A very nice track.But overall: I'm not sure where AUX 88 are meant to be headed with this release but I'm not up for going to 'Black Tokyo' anytime soon.