Posted by: leeway | January 8th, 2009
Sci-Fi, a trio from
The opening notes of the "Intro" create a yearning, innocent
quality, as if the song is recounting some distant, childhood memory. Simmons closes the track with a wistful
flourish that sets the stage for "Classical Dub." This track's melodic keyboard meshes with
lush layers of saxophone, bass, and drums to create a pleasing, atmospheric tapestry. After lingering in the tropics on "Classical
Dub," "Mid Tide" accelerates forward with strong work from the rhythm section. "
The lover of keyboards, dub, fusion jazz and electronica will find lots to enjoy in this ambitious, sonically interesting disc. The album features several prominent guest musicians, including Laura Reed of Deep Pocket and Greg Hollowell of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band. Alex Ginzburg's accomplished production work lends a warm, nicely polished sound to the album. With certain stalwarts like the Disco Biscuits and Lotus garnering so much attention in the electronica scene, the tracks on this album bear witness that Sci-Fi can do more with less; that they are capable of carving their own distinct niche if given the time and resources. Here's to their effort, whatever the ultimate conclusion may be...
- By J. Evan Wade