In early 2007, Berlin’s minimal mädchen M.I.A. released Bittersüss—a fine techno LP (a rarity!) which was almost unanimously praised by critics for its fusion of the Berlin and Cologne sounds. However, the rigid consistency of aesthetic shown in that full-length was pointed to by some reviewers as a possible reason why the Substatic co-founder hasn’t achieved the recognition she deserves. In this new release on Areal, M.I.A. strains against the ropes of uniformity with an exploration of new textures and ideas.
This is most apparent in 'Don't Catch My Soul', a foreboding piece of stripped-down techno which finds M.I.A.’s customary melodies replaced with scattered spoken-word vocals and a filtered siren squawking repeatedly in the foreground. The most interesting part of this track comes in the form of pitch modulated chimes which rise and fall independently between the left and right sides of the stereo field and eventually disintegrate into the background. In due time, the vocals come echoing down the hall past the listener. They inquire (to no one in particular) grim questions like "Do you want to die?", "Do you know what happened?", and of course the hugely important "Where’s my cigarette?” On the surface, the volley of questions appears to be disconnected thematically, but it does contribute to an overall feeling of wickedness at hand. Aside from its obvious mood-setting, though, ultimately 'Don't Catch My Soul' serves as an academic exercise to influence the mind rather than the body.
‘Redriver’ provides a concrete counterpart to the ghost story of the A-side. Alternating skillfully between deep and wobbly flavors of techno, it shows its lush side with a lilting vocal that hearkens back to the good bits of mid-'90s electronica. It doesn’t stay deep for long, though; before reaching the two minute mark M.I.A. jumps deftly into a foray of experimental synthesis that would whip a crowd into a quick frenzy. Eventually, things settle back tidily into the ample foundation of the track. It's M.I.A. at her best, measuring each element to the whole in order to achieve a cohesive effect.
Published /
Mon, 07 Jul 2008
Buy M.I.A. - Redsoul at
Tracklist: M.I.A. - Redsoul
A Don't Catch My Soul
B Redriver | 
