Australian
techno/dance music is starting to trace a similar path to its rock
music ancestors - at first both intimidated and defiant in the face
of the rest of the world's music, but ending up carving a path the
rest of the world is coming to recognize as both unique and more
energetic than its international counterparts. Like our rock pioneers
Australia's technocrats have had to scrimp and make do in order
to achieve the same results as their better-equipped better-positioned
counterparts. That disadvantage has become their difference, their
edge. Although the duo that make up Pound System were originally
Brits (as were most of our first rockers) they belong to that crisp,
no-nonsense ethic now characterising Australian drum and bass. Historically
Pound System are credited with releasing Australia's first drum
and bass album. This is round two, having between albums distinguished
and expanded themselves as remixers for Spiderbait, 28 Days, Alex
Lloyd etc and producing the likes of sonic adventurers Screemfeeder.
The 'pound' in the name is systemic. The hypnotic beat remains dominant,
the sounds clean and purposeful around them, occasionally with voices
as distant colours rather than dominant features. They have the
same clarity and energy as Underworld, probably because of the live
ethos which is part of both "bands". Pound System create their music
on stage as performers rather than as djs. It makes a big difference,
even when they do it in the studio. The Avalanches have taken the
UK by storm. Pound System could be next.
Australian
techno/dance music is starting to trace a similar path to its rock
music ancestors - at first both intimidated and defiant in the face
of the rest of the world's music, but ending up carving a path the
rest of the world is coming to recognize as both unique and more
energetic than its international counterparts. Like our rock pioneers
Australia's technocrats have had to scrimp and make do in order
to achieve the same results as their better-equipped better-positioned
counterparts. That disadvantage has become their difference, their
edge. Although the duo that make up Pound System were originally
Brits (as were most of our first rockers) they belong to that crisp,
no-nonsense ethic now characterising Australian drum and bass. Historically
Pound System are credited with releasing Australia's first drum
and bass album. This is round two, having between albums distinguished
and expanded themselves as remixers for Spiderbait, 28 Days, Alex
Lloyd etc and producing the likes of sonic adventurers Screemfeeder.
The 'pound' in the name is systemic. The hypnotic beat remains dominant,
the sounds clean and purposeful around them, occasionally with voices
as distant colours rather than dominant features. They have the
same clarity and energy as Underworld, probably because of the live
ethos which is part of both "bands". Pound System create their music
on stage as performers rather than as djs. It makes a big difference,
even when they do it in the studio. The Avalanches have taken the
UK by storm. Pound System could be next.