"Above all, here he aims to reproduce sounds already in nature, and where This Bliss was airy and celestial, this record is gritty and earthbound. It's darker, more forceful, and more chaotic." -Joe Colly, PitchforkColly's description of what Pantha du Prince's newest album exemplifies is straight forward and simplistic. I enjoy that type of writing, something that isn't muddled or convulsed. While the sarcastic tone or comedic drivel in some music reviews may come off as elitist, Colly's portrayal of Black Noise is revealing in only a few words and makes no quick jabs at the artist or the music itself.
Later going on with the specific, chilled compositions of Pantha du Prince:
"On the gorgeous "Welt Am Dracht" and closer "Es Schneit", eerie vocals drift over taut drum programming and shredded synths flutter around like pieces of confetti."
The last section of that sentence is what makes this impressive. Colly's simile to conjoin the musical synths within those two tracks and "fluttering confetti" is fine in the context it is depicting. And why not? Colly's words of a darker, more chaotic Pantha du Prince album resonates with this line, as if the song has no structure of place.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Colly's work has been mainly known to be as a contributor to the famous critic site Pitchfork (having the reputation of creative writers) and XLR8R; not only adding music reviews, but interviews of artists such as Beach House, Girl Talk, and RZA to name a few, allowing him to have numerous features on both sites.
The very last sentence of the review keeps his consistency and simplicity without confusing the reader with over-the-top metaphors, something I entirely can't stand. Sometimes reading music reviews can be a chore by just trying to decipher the meaning, Colly's review isn't the case.
"Instead he chose to deconstruct his signature style, and the result is strikingly unique."
Simple and effective.
For contrast take for example this review of Jet's highly-generic debut Get Born. It is done creatively, but what is the point? It doesn't show us what kind of musical prowess (if it all) the band possess or even the album itself. It reads like a rant with a sarcastic toned dialogue, and only about the band's 'attitude' or 'music stealing abilities' in so many words, which frankly is inane.
Pantha du Prince Review
Colly's Blog
Pitchfork Work
XLR8R Work
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