Mastering both musical worlds of leftfield experimentation and the popular is no small feat. It’s even more of a challenge to bridge these two arts together, especially when the end result is most pleasing to the ears. However, these are exactly the kind of accomplishments that Brad Laner brings forth with almost every release he’s been a part of. His structures allow the listener to move through the realms of song craft with a harmonious sense of enlightenment. His sounds pleasure the cerebral realms that euphorically resonate the whole self. (And yes, it’s completely true too!)
A perfect example of this scenario comes in the form of Brad Laner’s early aughts collaboration with Shannon Lee, simply called Medicine (that creative umbrella for which Laner will forever be its leader). Though the background story to this collaboration is most inspiring, the resulting harvests are those that find Laner (with Lee’s highly trained voice) at a creative apex.
Initially considered an anomaly in a newly post-Strokes world upon release by the duo in 2003, "The Mechanical Forces of Love" is unforgettable. With heavy rock presence, it is a mostly electronic affair with a clear influence from the new dance culture, an idea at the time still considered nearly taboo by the establishment. Upon first release, most critics responded to the album with either bemused acceptance, outright hostility, or surprisingly, in the case of the Pitchfork, an 8.0 review.
With hindsight now available, it is definitely time to start re-experiencing all the goodness Laner and Lee brought forth way back when, and this re-introduction begins now with a new compilation entitled "2.0 Extraneous." Now, "2.0 Extraneous" is not exactly "The Mechanical Forces of Love." Instead, it’s a parallel universe version of said record. Some may even argue that it’s the better universe version.
"2.0 Extraneous" provides the listener with a re-make/re-model re-construction of the highly fruitful collaboration between Laner and Lee. In this present, these tracks sound more relevant and contemporary than ever. It’s a breath of fresh air, and you can really dance to it (mostly).
So happy I bought the vinyl, fantastic collection of Cevin's early music. Recommended if you're into Skinny Puppy or if you're a fan of early EBM, industrial or noisey beats! :) jeff
I bought the 12 inch single for Bela Lugosi’s Dead at Fred’s records in St. John’s, Newfoundland in the eighties and it remained a treasured item in my collection until it was lost, left behind, stolen, loaned out, whatever. I accepted that that item was lost to time and likely irreplaceable. Hence my utter shock to see that I will once again hear this evocative masterwork on vinyl along with an extra three tracks. I recall Boys was included on the B-side of that long list single. Thank you! skritti
Portland shoegaze that plays, as the best representatives of the genre do, with huge, hollow atmosphere against intimate observations. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 23, 2016
90s shoegaze bands, even the best ones, tended to be terminally uncool. Bowery Electric was a major exception. I mean, they even had an amazing shirt that put "Bowery Electric" on the Adidas logo. This record and Beat are beyond essential listening, shimmering with uniquely menacing, entrancing beauty. kimbendixjr