alexone
@ 06-03-2009, 22:47
Another piece of dub artistry arises from the authentic ambience and reggae revelations of 23 Degrees. Their second release, "Born of Earth's Torments", expands on powerful trance melodies composed by Timothy Hendricks, surging drumbeats of Roy Robinson, and soulful ethnic vocals of Bertha Matus.
A contemporary style of combining slow repetitive rhythms with hypnotic, deep bass is what makes 23 Degrees move beyond its counterparts. The band's diverse influences include Brian Eno, John Cage, Omar Moore, Sly Dunbar, Frank Zappa and Robbie Shakespear. Wired Magazine acknowledges that 23 Degrees "offers superbly crafted ambient landscapes."
Collectively the members of 23 Degrees create depth of originality and experience into "Born of Earth's Torments."
Born of Earth's Torments explores dance-and-trance aural landscape with a sound that combines deep gliding vistas with minimalist beats and chanting vocals.
Which is to say, it's not easy to describe this sound. The eight tracks have a slippery feel; in parts, a raw ambient melody spirals skyward, grounded only by subtle pulses between the surface of the song; elsewhere, surging drums dominate the movement, drawing the listener into dubby aural landscapes.
23 Degrees is a trio consisting of Timothy Hendrix, Bertha Matus, and Roy Robinson, all of whom have been creating music since the 1970s. Hendrix plays bass; in addition, he has remixed dance hall and reggae tracks for Jamacian artists in his native San Diego.
Vocalist and keyboardist Bertha Matus adds the ethnic and soulful touch to entrancing classic melodies, while Robinson provides such percussion instruments as the djmbe jumjum, and sabar.
Born of Earth's Torments has a swirling, uplifting, melodic, and hedonistic feel. In addition, it has enough melody and beat to make it truly danceable. If you're looking for fluid, looping rhythms, vibrant melodies, and dubbed-out bass, try Born of Earth's Torments. ~ by Randy Krbechek
