Everybody Loves Irene - two albums
If you are doubtful about the universality of trip-hop then you must hear these two album by Indonesian trip-hop band Everybody Loves Irene. This is trip-hop in every film-noir, psychedelic, acid jazz way you can imagine it. A breathy female vocal, string-like keyboard backing, and Billy Strang guitar effects all coming together in a trippy sauna bath sort of way.
The first album is titled The Very First Thing You Must Learn About Flying Is Gravity. The first track “Crop Circles” has all those neat trip-hop thing going for it. However the more romantically mainstream “Hybrid Moments” really shows how talented this band is. The amazing vocals of Irene Yohanna stands out and goes a long ways in explaining the band’s name. Soothing yet sexy, this album is a relaxing listen.
On Second Thought, I Might Wanna Change Some Things is their second album. it is also a beautiful album from track one to the end. I’m not sure what the language is on “Rindu” but it is the best track on the album. Most of the tracks are sung in English and the album remains high quality. Merit should also be given to the other essential band members: Yudhi Arfani on guitar, Dimas Anindityo on bass, and Mulyadi Triharsono on drums, and Aulia Naratama on synthetizesrs. All contribute to this gorgeous and sensitive music.
Both albums can be found on the band’s web site and are freely available in 160kbps MP3.
No longer available
I wish they would write more songs in their native language (which is Bahasa I think). “Rindu” really sounds great. The language adds a certain degree of originality.
Comment by OrlandoFurioso — September 18, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
Unfortunately, the website is down, and I see no way to get this anymore. Pity this wasn’t CC’ed, I have no idea if it’s okay to upload it somewhere. Or even just continue to have it, since they don’t mention anything about the LP’s being downloadable on their MySpace.
Comment by bobn — August 21, 2010 @ 6:09 am