Even at it's least daring William Bevan's music can be hard to stick a label to as he flirts with an array of styles.
The newest offering by young British dubstep artist Burial is released as an EP and clocks in at nearly 30 minutes long. Rumour has it Azari & III have just been asked to open for Madonna on her upcoming tour, which means they could become a household name very soon, and deservedly so. Even the album's instrumental songs such as 'Indigo' and 'Infinity' have enough bass slaps and sonic zaps to keep the energy level high and the party rolling. While this recipe may not be entirely new (see Chromeo, Hercules & Love Affair) Azari & III's approach is definitely aimed more directly at the dance floor and it's success is evident as you catch yourself groovin' out, track after track. The album itself plays out as an upfront and unapologetic culmination of styles from this era and perhaps more impressively, it manages to fit snugly with the beefed up sounds of today. Both of these tracks are among the strongest on the album and showcase the bands obvious love for early 90's underground dance music. Since last year the band has wisely utilized the medium of music blogs and free downloads to attract music lovers and dj's to their first two singles 'Manic' and 'Reckless (For Your Love)'. The laid back “Sunshine (Come On Lady)” becomes anthemic as the buildup unfolds layers of impassioned sing-alongs, but it’s the wistful “Rise” that truly showcases how Rouse’s live performances can sometimes rival his studio recordings.This Toronto based quartet is poised and ready to unleash their highly anticipated debut eponymous album. “I Just Want to Live” is easily the most upbeat song that was ever written about a fatal surgery mishap, and his jazzy reworking of the Kinks’ “A Well Respected Man” becomes Rouse’s own tune. With an effortlessly natural transition, “Princess On The Porch” segues from a heartbreaking folk tune into an upbeat indie-pop number catchy enough to stay in your head for days on end. The intimate acoustic ballad “Michigan” opens with Rouse’s whisper-textured voice singing beautifully over a singular guitar, setting the tone with increasing intensity. The set comprises 10 previously unreleased outtakes from Rouse’s personal collection and 13 live songs recorded from New Year’s Eve 2003 during his world tour of the much celebrated 1972 album. The Smooth Sounds of Josh Rouse is an awesome accompaniment to Rykodisc’s 2004 DVD by the same title.
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