A.A.L. (Against All Logic)
2017-2019


4.0
excellent

Review

by Brandon Taylor USER (40 Reviews)
February 26th, 2020 | 143 replies


Release Date: 2020 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Do it hard.

Nicolas Jaar wasn’t on my radar until the release of 2012 - 2017, his first album under the A.A.L moniker – a superb collection of house tracks with masterful sampling throughout. “I Never Dream” was my favourite track of 2018 thanks to its irresistibly nostalgic “how I feel, how I feel” refrain. The opener on Against All Logic’s sophomore album keeps the forward momentum going, as it chops up Beyoncé and Sean Paul’s underrated hit “Baby Boy” with the precision of a sushi chef. Track 2 breezes by with another great house groove (that almost feels like a cakewalk for Jaar at this point), but then the album starts to veer left away from deep house, and starts to seriously explore the techno and industrial genres.

It gets grittier, heavier and is downright unpleasant at some parts. “If You Can’t Do It Good Do It Hard”, “Alarm” and “Deeeeeeefers” are a one-two-three punch to the throat. The synths are caustic, urgent and break you out of any sunny deep-house fantasy you might have been expecting. Personally, I have to thank Jaar for earning my goodwill with the first A.A.L album, because otherwise I may not have been so receptive to this left turn. But now, with the context of a timeless track like “I Never Dream”, I can spot the same genius electronic flourishes employed on “Penny” and the same perfectly-timed crescendos that shape the structure of “Deeeeeeefers”. It’s 2012 - 2017 but turned inside out – all bones and muscles. Recommended if you crack your knuckles and like drinking orange juice with the pulp in.



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2012-2017


Comments:Add a Comment 
brandontaylor
February 26th 2020


1228 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Tried out a shorter review this time, was kinda surprised this didn't have one so far. Appreciate any feedback as well as discussions about which AAL is superior (for me its still album 1).

anat
Contributing Reviewer
February 26th 2020


5748 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Nice lil review. Don’t think I’ll ever come around to If You Can’t Do It Good, just a really annoying sample, but there’s lots of good on here. Haven’t revisited 12-17 to see which I prefer yet

bloc
February 26th 2020


70026 Comments


While the first album was love at first listen, this one hopefully will grow on me. Didn't love it on first listen, but didn't hate it either.

WatchItExplode
February 26th 2020


10453 Comments


If You Can't Do It Good is obnoxious. This is nice otherwise.

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

finally listening to this



is it just me or does the mixing blow? or is it just the spotify version?

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

so the second half slays and destroys but the first is kinda spotty and maybe a bit wank at times

MotokoKusanagi
February 26th 2020


4290 Comments


this doesn't hit the same as 12-17 but still some fire on here

hamid95
February 26th 2020


1186 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah, I was really disappointed by the EP Lydia Lunch-track, so I'm surprised that I enjoy the one here so thoroughly.

The mid-section of this album is nothing but zany banger goodness.

Lord(e)Po)))ts
February 26th 2020


70239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

If you cant do it good is definitely the worst track

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

pots do u agree that the mixing on the first few gargles chode or is it just me









but yea later tracks rule

Lord(e)Po)))ts
February 26th 2020


70239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Re: the mixing, I like it. Suitably harsh.

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

i feel like some bits are too quiet while others are too loud





but i only listened on spotty so far so could that be the cause????

Lord(e)Po)))ts
February 26th 2020


70239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Feel similarly about it as I feel about a lot of andy stott stuff

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

then again the last one took a while to fully grow on me so who knwos

AmericanFlagAsh
February 26th 2020


13272 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

If You Can't Do It Good rules tbh

Lord(e)Po)))ts
February 26th 2020


70239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I dont hate it but it's my least fav and the sample is obnoxious and overused

Lord(e)Po)))ts
February 26th 2020


70239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Kinda seems like he couldn't do the sample good so he did it hard

AmericanFlagAsh
February 26th 2020


13272 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

I'm just a simpleton who thinks it's fun

parksungjoon
February 26th 2020


47231 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

vocals in general blow on this one tbh

brandontaylor
February 26th 2020


1228 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

tbh he did it good and he did it hard



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