Review Summary: A nearly flawless debut EP from one of trip hop's often unsung greats.
While originating mostly in Bristol some 25 years back, trip hop quickly spread out far beyond England. In fact, many great acts from all over Europe had a handful of quality material to present, though some never achieved the deserved recognition. Regardless, if you're looking for proof of this, meet Kruder And Dorfmeister. This acclaimed downtempo duo from Austria, in spite of having a relatively short discography, has produced and recorded some of the genre's most essential output. The debut EP of theirs
G-Stoned more than illustrates this. Paying a nice little homage to Simon And Garfunkel in its album cover, it encompasses some of this duo's best qualities in little more than 24 minutes.
What immediately stands out in this release is how impeccably it flows, every tune leads to the other beautifully. The loungey "Definition" is a superb pick for an opener. Chock-full of gentle and subtle pianos, lush xylophones and flute jams, it sets a laidback ambiance that is perfectly counteracted by "Deep Sh't". This following track's tribal chants and beats, punctuated by its memorable bassline and eerie keyboards, are all perfectly balanced by one another. This combines for a superb groove, on a more atmospheric and introspective cut. Taking cues from its two counterparts, "High Noon" is possibly the best moment on here. A chilling, intriguing and hypnotic jam, it best represents what
G-Stoned, and Kruder And Dorfmeister in general, are all about. This lends closer "Original Bedroom Rockers" a chance to close out on a more understated tone. After a pair of amazing and 'contemplative' tunes, the sexy groove and vibrant beats here seem perfect to conclude this release, accompanying the listener in the end of a truly excellent journey.
In short, there's not much that can be said about Kruder And Dorfmeister and
G-Stoned. What you'll find here is hardly pioneering or original, but it has an exceptional beauty about it that goes beyond explanation. No, this Austrian duo may have not started a musical revolution. No, they didn't redefine trip hop. But they took lessons from the best and made their output truly indispensable. This EP is mellow, relaxing, lively and exciting all at once, and an essential release for any remotely interested fan. Kruder And Dorfmeister may have a reduced amount of released material, but when it's of this outstanding quality it hardly matters.
