Jai has put out a very, very interesting album that could be described as folk influenced, experimental electronica. Though the description may sound strange, it is the only thing I can think of when describing this music. Despite its occasional similarities to better-known CDs (by the likes of Soul-Junk, Danielson Familie, Jetenderpaul, and Dance House Children), Automata is ultimately delightfully quirky and utterly original.
The album begins with a very tripped out introduction that sounds like it was taken from a 1950's children's TV show. From there, it moves into a series of sad, folk acoustic-like songs, spiced with electronic sounds created by the layering of drum machines, samplers, and countless electronic toys. In total, it makes for a fabulous arrangement of sounds.
Songs like "How You Dream" are more conventional in arrangement (folk-like vocals and up-front guitars, with trippy electronic sounds in the background), while others take completely unexpected directions.
"Green Series No. 1" is one of the songs that surprises. It features a simple guitar, accompanied by weird electronic effects with no vocals. It is so relaxed and slow that it almost reminds me of very laidback jazz music that uses just a standup bass and the occasional light drumbeat.
Another unusual tune is "Jesus Song." On first listen, it seems pretty basic with the cheap synthesizer melody and the simple vocals, but on repeat listens, it grows to be strangely compelling.
All in all, Jai Agnish's album is a lesson in simplicity; a lesson in what is possible with minimal resources. (Five of the songs were recorded on a four track in his parents' house.) Yet within the confines of this minimalist ethic, Jai has displayed an incredible level of depth and creativity. (My only complaint is that he didn't provide the lyrics of his songs either in the liner notes or on his website.)
In short, Jai as music man is better than a dope dealer--he's definitely made me an addict of this trippy little album. I highly recommend it.
4/5
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Earl CampbellHooks that will wake you up the next morning, cycling loudly through your mind, Jai Agnish tells us more tales of his magnificent mundane in the debut project Automata. How 'lo-fi atari' loops, a drum machine, and minimalistic, sparse instrumentation can be herded into such pop mastery is beyond me. But it is done, nonetheless. Truly a post-modern renaissance man, Jai offers just one more reason…Similar sounding releases
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