Audio here,
I know I've been teasing you guys with the promise of a new DnB tune, but as you might know, I've been in in the process of setting up new software, a new DJ rig, and making arrangements for an upcoming trip of mine. To tell the truth, I'm currently trying to upgrade to Logic 9, but things haven;t been going smoothly.
But enough jibber-jabber! During my process of creating this new DnB track, I felt like experimenting with a little Dubstep, and ended up finishing the Dubstep before the DnB! So the good news is that my new project, 'Two-Thirds Omega' is officially underway, with an experimental Dubstep tune I'm going to share with you right now, and a DnB song almost finished, waiting in the wings. Expect a lot more original music coming from me in the coming months.
I do have one more important announcement, I will be away for three weeks starting tomorrow (May 10th) because I'm flying to China to train Kung-Fu with the Shaolin monks. I've been doing martial arts nearly all my life, and I'm nearing my Kung-Fu black belt test, and it's a well known rite of passage for a Kung-Fu student to visit the birth place of Kung-Fu and bring back techniques and secrets for his/her school. This does mean that I will not be posting any blog entries whatsoever until June 1, as I will be devoting this trip solely for my training. I appreciate your understanding.
Easy,
Audio
Monday, 9 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Visua: Thor Opening
Hey guys!
Thor is coming out tomorrow, and by then I should have a review. I honestly don't know what to expect because the trailers didn't make it seem all that great, but the first views are out and they have given pretty decent reviews. I think Chris Hemsworth was a great choice for the role and I can't wait to see Natalie Portman as Jane Foster.
I hear there is something after the credits, so watch for that!
Do you think it will be good?
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Thor is coming out tomorrow, and by then I should have a review. I honestly don't know what to expect because the trailers didn't make it seem all that great, but the first views are out and they have given pretty decent reviews. I think Chris Hemsworth was a great choice for the role and I can't wait to see Natalie Portman as Jane Foster.
Do you think it will be good?
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Visua: Movie Spotlight - Cemetery Junction
Hey there!
I remember when I went to London, England in spring '10, I saw posters of 'Cemetery Junction' (2010) in many places on the walls of the Underground stations. The young stylish males, the pretty redhead and Ricky Gervais all taking up most of the poster, it caught my eye as it being a new, persona-driven, proper Brit independent film with a certain style to it, and indeed it was. So there I am, no more than two days ago, scrolling through my bloated PVR hard drive full of movies from the movie channel, and I land on 'Cemetery Junction'. I click Play.
Now this isn't a review because I don't want to analyze it, but instead shed light on its triumphs. I can honestly say this is now a film I very much like, one that I score well, and one that I recommend. It's written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also, so it will not disappoint. I won't dwell on anything for too long, I'll keep things short and sweet.
A Quick Summary: Cemetery Junction follows 3 friends--Bruce [The rebel] (Tom Hughes), Freddie [The ambitious] (Christian Cooke), and Snork [The Funnyman] (Jack Doolan)-- who are getting sick and tired of their little, English, working-class town. The 1970s is a time of freedom and they aren't getting a piece of it. Being foolish children for such a long time, they begin to grow up and bring meaning into their life, without losing who they really are.
First off this movie had just such great characters that their persona's seems like they could all be parts of a normal human being, so there is a little something for everyone. My favorite character was Bruce, he was just so....cool, almost as if he were straight out of 'The Outsiders' but not as greasy. Another thing I loved about this movie was the soundtrack, good old classic '70s hits. Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, Elton John, Mott the Hoople, Slade. My favorite scene is when Snork gets up on stage and rocks out to Slade's 'Cum On Feel the Noize". I can also say I might be in love with the actress who played Julie [Felicity Jones] was just so pretty and humble, something we don't see often in North American cinema. Matthew Goode was in it which was great. The humor was all around pretty awesome and quite British. Lastly I love the theme, even though its been done before, I just love the idea of freedom. Be young. Be free. Be somebody.
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Visua's Rating: **** out of *****
Thanks for reading!
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
I remember when I went to London, England in spring '10, I saw posters of 'Cemetery Junction' (2010) in many places on the walls of the Underground stations. The young stylish males, the pretty redhead and Ricky Gervais all taking up most of the poster, it caught my eye as it being a new, persona-driven, proper Brit independent film with a certain style to it, and indeed it was. So there I am, no more than two days ago, scrolling through my bloated PVR hard drive full of movies from the movie channel, and I land on 'Cemetery Junction'. I click Play.Now this isn't a review because I don't want to analyze it, but instead shed light on its triumphs. I can honestly say this is now a film I very much like, one that I score well, and one that I recommend. It's written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also, so it will not disappoint. I won't dwell on anything for too long, I'll keep things short and sweet.
A Quick Summary: Cemetery Junction follows 3 friends--Bruce [The rebel] (Tom Hughes), Freddie [The ambitious] (Christian Cooke), and Snork [The Funnyman] (Jack Doolan)-- who are getting sick and tired of their little, English, working-class town. The 1970s is a time of freedom and they aren't getting a piece of it. Being foolish children for such a long time, they begin to grow up and bring meaning into their life, without losing who they really are.First off this movie had just such great characters that their persona's seems like they could all be parts of a normal human being, so there is a little something for everyone. My favorite character was Bruce, he was just so....cool, almost as if he were straight out of 'The Outsiders' but not as greasy. Another thing I loved about this movie was the soundtrack, good old classic '70s hits. Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, Elton John, Mott the Hoople, Slade. My favorite scene is when Snork gets up on stage and rocks out to Slade's 'Cum On Feel the Noize". I can also say I might be in love with the actress who played Julie [Felicity Jones] was just so pretty and humble, something we don't see often in North American cinema. Matthew Goode was in it which was great. The humor was all around pretty awesome and quite British. Lastly I love the theme, even though its been done before, I just love the idea of freedom. Be young. Be free. Be somebody.
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Visua's Rating: **** out of *****
Thanks for reading!
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Friday, 22 April 2011
Audio: 10 Songs I'm Listening To
Audio here,
So someone recently requested that I do a post about my top ten bands, and i figured i would take this to heart. Problem is, when i started thinking about this, i realized this was a hard question. I go through phases like anyone, and my top ten bands this week will probably be different from next week, or last week. But I still did really want to share what i was listening to with you guys, so I decided to put my iPod on shuffle, and talk about the first 10 songs to pop up. I've made an effort to take whatever song is given to me, no matter how much i may want to change it.
#1: Deep Purple - Lazy
Haha, to be honest i was a little surprised this was the first one. I do love this song, with a solid 3 minute organ solo at the beginning, this track totally conveys everything I love about Deep Purple. Most people know them for "Smoke On The Water", but if you start to delve into their other stuff, you can quickly see that this band is talented, weird, and fun. This song reminds me of a vacation I took two years ago with my good buddy (the guitar player from my punk band), and we spent the time sleeping in hammocks, hitting on the local girls, and playing Deep Purple way too loudly in our cabin. Good times.
#2: The Prodigy - Thunder
Honestly, I'm very pleased my iPod decided to be nice to me. I love this track. I mean, L-O-V-E. I want to marry it. This was probably one of the first real electronic tracks I listened to that i 'got'. Everything from the ominous vocal intro, to the lovely synthesized drum kit and chorus of "Thunder! Thunder!", this track blew my mind the first time i stumbled across it, in the 9th grade. If you haven't heard it, please do so now. Listen to "Thunder" here.
#3: Jimi Hendrix - Mr. Bad Luck
For those of you who know their Hendrix, you'll know that this track is off his relatively recent album "Valleys Of Neptune", that is comprised of unreleased tracks that were caught up in legal dispute between Hendrix's estate and his record company. Regardless, this album is a surprising medley of original and cover tracks that are sure to impress any fan of Hendrix. This particular track is one of my favourites off the album, mostly for the silly lyrics. :p
#4: Gorillaz - We Are Happy Landfill
The Gorrilaz and I have a bit of a love-hate relationship. It's true that I own every one of their songs, but at times, i just can't stand the music. Creepy, atmospheric, eccentric, brooding, electronic, esoteric, experimental, odd, perplexing, catchy, joyous, and moving. At times i would use all of these words to describe a single song of the Gorrilaz, because even though I may not always be in the mood, their songs have a lot to tell if you just give them some patience, and open your mind.
#5: The Locust - Your Mantel Disguised As A Psychic Sasquatch
Ok, this is where i may loose a lot of you. If you haven't heard of The Locust, i suggest you do check them out, if only in scientific curiosity. I'm not sure how to explain this band, but if I had to try i would say that their a seemingly-random cacaphone of electric barbed wired served in a politically ironic soup of screams and growls during a fever dream. I really love their stuff. I couldn't find this track uploaded anywhere, so I had to do it myself. Just, listen to the track and leave me alone, ok?
http://www.mediafire.com/?ferjgf3lbzmlm
#6: Datsik - Retreat
So someone recently requested that I do a post about my top ten bands, and i figured i would take this to heart. Problem is, when i started thinking about this, i realized this was a hard question. I go through phases like anyone, and my top ten bands this week will probably be different from next week, or last week. But I still did really want to share what i was listening to with you guys, so I decided to put my iPod on shuffle, and talk about the first 10 songs to pop up. I've made an effort to take whatever song is given to me, no matter how much i may want to change it.
#1: Deep Purple - Lazy
Haha, to be honest i was a little surprised this was the first one. I do love this song, with a solid 3 minute organ solo at the beginning, this track totally conveys everything I love about Deep Purple. Most people know them for "Smoke On The Water", but if you start to delve into their other stuff, you can quickly see that this band is talented, weird, and fun. This song reminds me of a vacation I took two years ago with my good buddy (the guitar player from my punk band), and we spent the time sleeping in hammocks, hitting on the local girls, and playing Deep Purple way too loudly in our cabin. Good times.
Honestly, I'm very pleased my iPod decided to be nice to me. I love this track. I mean, L-O-V-E. I want to marry it. This was probably one of the first real electronic tracks I listened to that i 'got'. Everything from the ominous vocal intro, to the lovely synthesized drum kit and chorus of "Thunder! Thunder!", this track blew my mind the first time i stumbled across it, in the 9th grade. If you haven't heard it, please do so now. Listen to "Thunder" here.
#3: Jimi Hendrix - Mr. Bad Luck
For those of you who know their Hendrix, you'll know that this track is off his relatively recent album "Valleys Of Neptune", that is comprised of unreleased tracks that were caught up in legal dispute between Hendrix's estate and his record company. Regardless, this album is a surprising medley of original and cover tracks that are sure to impress any fan of Hendrix. This particular track is one of my favourites off the album, mostly for the silly lyrics. :p
The Gorrilaz and I have a bit of a love-hate relationship. It's true that I own every one of their songs, but at times, i just can't stand the music. Creepy, atmospheric, eccentric, brooding, electronic, esoteric, experimental, odd, perplexing, catchy, joyous, and moving. At times i would use all of these words to describe a single song of the Gorrilaz, because even though I may not always be in the mood, their songs have a lot to tell if you just give them some patience, and open your mind.
#5: The Locust - Your Mantel Disguised As A Psychic Sasquatch
Ok, this is where i may loose a lot of you. If you haven't heard of The Locust, i suggest you do check them out, if only in scientific curiosity. I'm not sure how to explain this band, but if I had to try i would say that their a seemingly-random cacaphone of electric barbed wired served in a politically ironic soup of screams and growls during a fever dream. I really love their stuff. I couldn't find this track uploaded anywhere, so I had to do it myself. Just, listen to the track and leave me alone, ok?
http://www.mediafire.com/?ferjgf3lbzmlm
Yeah, I know, it's shocking, the Drum and Bass guy also listens to Dubstep. Gimme a break ok? He's from Canada, and this track is awesome. Personally i love politically-charging music, and I didn't think you could to this to Dubstep, but Datsik did it. It's really a killer track, and i suggest you all give it a listen sometime. A nice little trivia, the opening sound clip to "Retreat" is also used in "Teenage Bomb Threat", by my punk band 'Raptor Strike!', and we do have a forthcoming 7" record being mixed as we speak, if you're interested.
#7: Duke Ellington - Stepping Into Swing Society
For those of you who really know me, you'll know that I also love Jazz. Duke Ellington is the grandfather of most be-bop, swing, and Jazz that came after him. You don't have to be a big jazz fan to really appreciate his music, as at one time this was the mainstream, top 40 music. You just have to have a bit of an open mind about music outside of electronic beeps and whistles. Coincidentally, I play trombone in a Jazz band that is currently recording an album as well, and that could be expected some time around June.
#8: The Casualties - Riot
As I've already eluded to in this article, I have a soft spot (or a hard, badass spot) for punk, and especially hardcore punk. The Casualties are looked at by mixed views in the punk community, because their sound and style is completely representative of the direction of modern hardcore punk, but they did sort of sell out. Their songs got less thrashy, their lyrics had less political messages, and they started actually making money. Personally, I think some of their old stuff often gets overshadowed by the drama of the whole "sellout" question, and is actually really worth a listen to.
#9: The Pixies - All Over The World
Well, the funny story about me and The Pixies is that not only was I introduced to them by our very own Visua, but it took me about three tries to like them. It sounds weird, but I honestly tried to listen to them two times, trying so hard to like them, and couldn't do it. But finally, I took the plunge and borrowed two of their CD's from Visua and listened to them over, and over, and over. The Pixies aren't for everyone, hell, i wouldn't even say their for most. But if you want to try good rhythmic, catchy, melodic, interesting, and intelligent pre-indie rock with a touch of early Punk and Alt rock, then I would recommend The Pixies for you.
#10: Cecil Taylor - Conquistador (Part 2)
Oh, iPod, you have been good to me today. If you had to ask me who my most influential person to me is, right now i would answer Cecil Taylor. His music if for very few. You won't like it. I can tell you that right now. But if your feeling like some drastically different free-jazz, then follow the link... If you dare. Go ahead, try to like it.
Well there you have it folks, I let you all into my personal iPod for just ten songs. Did you like it? Did you hate it? Did you have questions? Did you discover a new love? Could you actually see why i love Cecil Taylor? Or stomach The Locust? I want to know guys, so drop me a comment, or send us an email, audiovisua@gmail.com.
Easy,
Audio
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
AudioVisua: 1000 hits! 50 Followers!
Hey everyone!
Thank you all for reading up on all our posts and of course thanks for the comments. We are now currently over 1000 hits and 50 followers with our 8 day-old blog, AudioVisua Productions. We promise to keep posting about the things you want to read, and remember we are happy to answer any questions!
We hope to soon come out with a logo which Audio is designing (he is a very talented graphic artist) and also Visua is getting a lot of work done on his own film projects.
[Audio sez: sorry you haven't heard much from me lately, I'm in the process of rigging up my new DJ set-up, and studio software, but I'm sporadically working on a new Drum and Bass tune, so I'll be letting you guys know about this soon. Thanks again.]
email us at audiovisua@gmail.com!
Cheers,
-Audio & Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Thank you all for reading up on all our posts and of course thanks for the comments. We are now currently over 1000 hits and 50 followers with our 8 day-old blog, AudioVisua Productions. We promise to keep posting about the things you want to read, and remember we are happy to answer any questions!
We hope to soon come out with a logo which Audio is designing (he is a very talented graphic artist) and also Visua is getting a lot of work done on his own film projects.
[Audio sez: sorry you haven't heard much from me lately, I'm in the process of rigging up my new DJ set-up, and studio software, but I'm sporadically working on a new Drum and Bass tune, so I'll be letting you guys know about this soon. Thanks again.]
email us at audiovisua@gmail.com!
Cheers,
-Audio & Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Monday, 18 April 2011
Visua: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 News!
Hey readers,
Sorry I haven't posted for a bit, I've been caught up in my own video projects (which I'll reveal at a later date), but for now let me keep you up to date on Warner Bros. next big release, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. New pictures were released today which I will share with you, and I will also like to discuss what we're presented with in a new featurette!
Take a look at these!
These pictures just look too perfect! The one with Neville holding the sword of Godric Griffondor is exactly as I pictured it while reading the book. I believe that this last installment in the Harry Potter Saga will really deliver something to the fans that they will never forget.
Watch this highly impressive featurette! I honestly cannot wait until July 15th!
Tell me what you guys think of how this last chapter might foil out!
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Sorry I haven't posted for a bit, I've been caught up in my own video projects (which I'll reveal at a later date), but for now let me keep you up to date on Warner Bros. next big release, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. New pictures were released today which I will share with you, and I will also like to discuss what we're presented with in a new featurette!
Take a look at these!
 |
| Our three heroes, Harry, Ron and Hermione back together for this epic finale |
 |
| Neville Longbottom wielding the sword of Godric Griffondor |
 |
| Harry Potter wielding the sword of Godric Griffondor |
 |
| Lord Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters |
 |
| Harry in the higher sections of Hogwarts |
 |
| Theatrical Poster |
These pictures just look too perfect! The one with Neville holding the sword of Godric Griffondor is exactly as I pictured it while reading the book. I believe that this last installment in the Harry Potter Saga will really deliver something to the fans that they will never forget.
Watch this highly impressive featurette! I honestly cannot wait until July 15th!
Tell me what you guys think of how this last chapter might foil out!
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Audio: 12" Record Review - Breed 003, Utopia + Kubrack
Audio here,
So i decided i might keep to my word after all, and do a little album review for you guys. This is a Vinyl 12' record released from Breed 12"'s, through Lifted music. This record features Utopia with Force Of Mind on the A side, and Kubrak's Fast Forward on the flip. An interesting point to note before i start the review, is that Utopia is a Russian based collective, featuring many artists, including Kubrak.
Side A
Side A features Force Of Mind, by Utopia, and sums up the entire Russian Drum and Bass scene quite nicely. Gritty and catchy. This track starts with the usual swell of atmospheric noises, but quickly settles into a jumpy, synth melody that sets the tone for the side. With it's ominous tones, the track then descends into gritty wobble-style bass with locomotive percussion. Each two bars are accentuated with an orgasmic grunt that will make all listeners moan along. Utopia has mixed this track to perfection, with flow that makes you listen to the entire 6 minutes and fourty-two seconds in a trance, bobbing your head and grunting, and as abruptly as it came in, the beat stops, leaving you feeling silly and embarrassed in your chair. This is some of the best Drum and Bass east of the UK.
Side B
Side B features Fast Forward, by Kubrak, who is recently becoming one of the brightest jems to come from Russia. This track starts of similarly to Force Of Mind, with atmospheric tension eventually bubbling into a huge drop. And if you like a big drop, Fast Forward is one of the nicest I've heard this year. With a drum fill, Kubrak drops some of the dirtiest synths that could only come from mother Russia. With accents reminiscent of 16-bit sounds, this track is perfect for a video game soundtrack. This track sets up the stage, and stays in the pocket, overwhelming the listener with strange and amazing synth chords. A perfect flip to this record, it is obvious what influence Kubrak has over the direction of Utopia, with the similarities of atmosphere between these two tracks. This is the sort of track that would make people loose their minds at a crowded Moscow nightclub.
Conclusion
Overall, this record is a perfect example of some of the best Drum and Bass Russia has to offer. Kubrak offers dirty synths that fans of Dubstep will love, and Utopia offers a catchy melody that will get you humming in the shower again.
Side A: 9/10 - Exceptional
Side B: 9.5/10 - Track of the Year Contender
So i decided i might keep to my word after all, and do a little album review for you guys. This is a Vinyl 12' record released from Breed 12"'s, through Lifted music. This record features Utopia with Force Of Mind on the A side, and Kubrak's Fast Forward on the flip. An interesting point to note before i start the review, is that Utopia is a Russian based collective, featuring many artists, including Kubrak.
Side A
Side A features Force Of Mind, by Utopia, and sums up the entire Russian Drum and Bass scene quite nicely. Gritty and catchy. This track starts with the usual swell of atmospheric noises, but quickly settles into a jumpy, synth melody that sets the tone for the side. With it's ominous tones, the track then descends into gritty wobble-style bass with locomotive percussion. Each two bars are accentuated with an orgasmic grunt that will make all listeners moan along. Utopia has mixed this track to perfection, with flow that makes you listen to the entire 6 minutes and fourty-two seconds in a trance, bobbing your head and grunting, and as abruptly as it came in, the beat stops, leaving you feeling silly and embarrassed in your chair. This is some of the best Drum and Bass east of the UK.
Side B features Fast Forward, by Kubrak, who is recently becoming one of the brightest jems to come from Russia. This track starts of similarly to Force Of Mind, with atmospheric tension eventually bubbling into a huge drop. And if you like a big drop, Fast Forward is one of the nicest I've heard this year. With a drum fill, Kubrak drops some of the dirtiest synths that could only come from mother Russia. With accents reminiscent of 16-bit sounds, this track is perfect for a video game soundtrack. This track sets up the stage, and stays in the pocket, overwhelming the listener with strange and amazing synth chords. A perfect flip to this record, it is obvious what influence Kubrak has over the direction of Utopia, with the similarities of atmosphere between these two tracks. This is the sort of track that would make people loose their minds at a crowded Moscow nightclub.
Conclusion
Overall, this record is a perfect example of some of the best Drum and Bass Russia has to offer. Kubrak offers dirty synths that fans of Dubstep will love, and Utopia offers a catchy melody that will get you humming in the shower again.
Side A: 9/10 - Exceptional
Side B: 9.5/10 - Track of the Year Contender
Overall Grade: 93% - Must Have
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)