Boys Noize: POWER

ALBUM REVIEW: Boys Noize – POWER
words: David Molloy

The word POWER as the title of the second Boys Noize album suggests that this would be even more musically humongous, louder and hard-hitting than its predecessor, an unstoppable force setting out to pulverize everything in sight. Although in the end this turns out to not be the case, POWER is still a very strong second album from the electronic producer and certainly a very interesting step forward. From his very wide range of influences, Boys Noize (aka Alex Ridha) has started borrowing from the world of techno while still staying true to the brash style of his debut album, 2007’s ‘Oi Oi Oi’, which helped propel him to becoming one of the heavyweights of electro music.

Opener “Gax” shares time with two sides of the styles found on offer on POWER. Swapping between melodic interludes and a pummeling style of old, setting the tone for the rest of the record very well. Among the interesting experimental moments of the album is “Nerve”, a foray into minimal style, “Nott” plays with the techno influences vividly, along with a cheeky vocal sample of “I am not techno!” possibly a message to fans that while a style or two may have snuck into his repertoire a bit, it certainly is not to be confused with the real thing! The tinkering with styles continues with “Rozz Box” and the closer “Heart Attack” which attempts to be almost a summary of the album in general, including ambient hums and metallic noise in equal measure.

Possibly the most experimental track on POWER, is also unfortunately the most disappointing. “Trooper” spends it’s five minutes charging up military drums with a slightly sinister sounding vocal sample, however the end result is easier to admire then enjoy. Those who were content with Ridha’s old style need not worry however – there is still plenty here to please. “Sweet Light” and first single “Starter” would have sounded right at home on Oi Oi Oi, while tracks such as the album highlight “Transmission”, “Kontakt Me” and “Drummer” carry on the debut’s insistent style while also sounding like a move forward, increasingly melodic and open to let new styles of electronic music poke its head in to help out.

While sometimes inconsistent as a full length album, and at other times slightly out of focus in it’s new direction, POWER is helped by its variety after the manic propelling of Oi Oi Oi, the acceptance of techno as a major influence has added a level of maturity and will hopefully gain Boys Noize some new fans while not alienating current ones, and painting a very bright picture for whatever he may do next. Ridha has now been making music and DJ’ing for over 10 years, yet with his second album, it feels like he’s only getting started.

7.7

mp3// Gax

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