Strategy "Drumsolo's Delight"

I can understand why the electronica scene has an image problem--many 'artists' are nothing more than musically inept computer geeks sitting behind their laptops. It doesn't take too much talent to hold down the spacebar, and though there have been some really great ambient/electronica composers, many of these "artists" are nothing to be admired. I mean, really, how can you respect a guy who has no musical skills, yet has mastered the ability to install and navigate computer programs?

Drumsolo's Delight, the second album by Portland Oregon's Strategy, is a surprsingly upbeat affair. It's the brainchild of one Paul Dickow, whose previous work includes bands Emergency and Fontanelle--so it's safe to accept these computer-based musical masterpieces. In his press release, one article referred to him as "Portland's laptop prankster/meister of disquo," and such a phrase is quite apt. He's released numerous records of his own, many of them dance oriented, on Drumsolo's Delight, his music is much more ambient-minded, opting for a low-down and sometimes dirty chillout groove.

Don't think that my use of that 'ambient' word means that his music is meandering, slow and cold. While those particular elements do find their way onto Drumsolo's Delight, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the quiet yet pulsing GROOVE that beats underneath all those gentle washes of sound. Thankfully, Dickow understands that brevity is the soul of wit, and thus he doesn't allow Drumsolo's Delight to wear out its welcome by songs that are 20 minutes too long. If, at times, Strategy's compositional strategy occasionally reminds you of The Orb--especially on the wonderful "Cascadian Nights" and "Final Super Zen," you're not alone, because Dickow has certainly tapped into that same dubby/dance/ambient stream that hasn't really been done right since 1991.
The lone song with vocals, "Walkingtime," is easily the best Talking Heads song of the year.

The quiet, pulsating dub-dance of Drumsolo's Delight makes this the unexpected musical aphrodesiac of the year. This music is sexy, lusty, loving--and it's an expertly made groove that will get you equally ready for lovin' and dancin' in a heartbeat. A rare feat, and a pleasant surprise.

--Joseph Kyle

Label Website: http://www.kranky.net