Amon Tobin - Supermodified

Supermodified is the follow up to Amon Tobin's 1998 album Permutation, which is equally as impressive as it is just plain awesome. Supermodified does however, step beyond his previous albums in many ways. The songs on this album seem to feature more layered samples that create a total listening environment instead of just a "cool beat". Furthermore, all of the songs on the album have one foot in firmly stuck in many styles of jazz, which is a plus if you are a fan. From the first song, 'Get Your Snack On', to 'Sabtouer' layers of horn samples and jazzy drum breaks accentuate the main loops. The album also sports songs like 'Marine Machines', which seems like a tranquilized concerto with a heavy beat. Regardless of the respective elements each song is structured similarly, with the samples and loops being introduced and intermingled with buzzes and pops until the pinnacle of the song is reached. (About that time you will probably be completely lost in all that's coming out of your speakers). Nevertheless, Amon Tobin's musical choices on this album set him apart from the many, many electronic musicians out there today. I mean, the song 'Precursor' features a rubbery upright bass line accompanied by a vocal percussion performance from a group called Quadraceptor that sounds like Daffy Duck on massive amphetamines. In closing, Supermodified is definitely for those who want a well-made, completely original, rhythmically layered album -- I give it 4.75 manstyle points. There are just some albums that need to be listened to in headphones late at night or while your working, and this is definitely one of them. Otherwise, you'll just miss everything the artist was trying to get you to hear. And for crying out loud, go to amontobin.com and check out his swanky website. [www.amontobin.com]