SkinMechanix : Reviews

19-Mar-07 : Fallen Angel Review

This review should have gone into the forthcoming Sequences magazine but was pulled possibly because the reviewer, Carl Jenkinson, was a little late with the submission and possibly because Fallen Angel is no longer available.

Here's the review:

Skin Mechanix. Fallen Angel. Unpublished review by Carl Jenkinson

This second Skin Mechanix album was released late in 2005 as a limited edition of 50 copies. Dave Hughes describes the music herein as "a rough guide only" which will "hopefully point the way towards the next full-length album". Some of these 8 tracks were only a week old when the disc was released, others date from years previous & a good few were recorded live during one of Dave's Awakenings gigs. Happily, Dave doesn't opt for the overdone teutonic lark, although there are a few old school touches here & there, most noticeably the sequences that form the backbone of the absorbing "A Chromium Dark" & the lively "The Journey Home" which definately have a touch of early 80s TD with some excellent abstract backgrounds to boot. In both cases, however, the imaginative rhythmic colouring gives the music a more modern sheen, putting the album in roughly the same ballpark as Mind-Flux. This is equally true of the lively "Dimension Jump" which should also appeal to fans of Synthetik & the like although a greater melodic quotient would have made this an even better piece as it does rely on the effects a little too much, unlike "Waving At Mono", where the more involved melodic work makes all the difference. TBass fans should likewise enjoy the more melodic feel of "Before We Forget", particularly the fine soloing & majestic rhythms that grace the soaring mid-section while the closing "America" could almost be an out-take from the days of The Infection Of Time (I wonder if is this one of the older tracks?), resurrecting the old TB lead voices & the harder rhythms of yesteryear & although the effect here is pleasant rather than spectacular it's not a bad closing shot. As 'rough guides' go, this is very promising indeed & if Dave can develop these tracks still further then he could well produce some mighty fine stuff so watch this space!

So, there's a clear bias here away from the Teutonic noodlings and towards the old thrash and burn style of music we used to produce. Time to drag out the skin-tight spandex underwear again, I think.

13-Feb-06 : Fallen Angel Review

Dave Law of SynthMusicDirect posted this review of Fallen Angel in the latest SMD catalogue.

"It states on the artwork that this is a limited edition of just 50 copies so I suspect that when I have sold out of my small supply I will not be able to get any more. Three of the tracks are new studio numbers whilst the rest were recorded at the Awakenings concert in February 2005, only three of these however can be found on The Secret Life of Angels and even these are quite heavily reworked."

"We begin with the title track, the first new studio recording. Soothing cosmic pads float with tinkling effects. It is all so tranquil- even haunting. A sequence does start up but it is restrained, adding extra interest but without destroying the wonderful atmos already created."

"The storming Dimension Jump is next. The sequences and Arcish rhythm burst into life along with a bass beat. As with the studio version the foot is full down on the accelerator and its impossible to keep the body still but the live setting gives it more of a fun feel the leads, if anything, having greater bite here than on the original."

"Waving at Mono dates from at least as early as 2002 but doesn't appear on Secret Life though it would have been right at home on the album. It comes complete with hissing steam and the lead line is very T Bass UK - an excellent combination. The bass is heavier here than on the other version I have heard and overall it has much greater oomph!"

"The actual track The Secret Life of Angels quietens things down a little. It begins with extremely thick dark cosmic pads. We then get some beautifully played melancholy piano, if anything even moodier than the original. The delicate backing adds to the atmos wonderfully."

"Shuffling rhythms and a deep bass sequence emerge out of more thick pads on A Chromium Dark. A second higher register sequence bounces over the first and then enters a lovely Mellotron sound. Berlin School I hear you think but it sounds much less so and more contemporary in this setting. Things get even better as steam-laden rhythms come in. To me this is one of the best tracks on this limited edition - an excellent version of an already very good track."

"The last live number is the initially rather delicate Before we Forget and I must admit that I actually had forgotten about this track completely and still can't place where is has previously appeared. Yet it is an exquisite track with stunningly beautiful melody full of joy and melancholy at the same time. During the second half of the track the rhythm becomes heavier and the lead line more searing but still returns to the initial tender melody to finish."

"The Journey Home is another one of the new studio tracks. I wonder if we are returning from strange alien worlds as to start off with things have a decidedly cosmic feel. The engine is then engaged in the form of a rapid tinkling sequence. We go into warp drive as the sequence gains added oomph accompanied by a steady rhythm. Overall, in melody and rhythm, it contains many of Skin Mechanix' classic signatures."

"We finish with the last of the new tracks, America. There is a slow rhythmic build up until it really gets into its stride. It is certainly a happy body moving number with some excellent joyous melodies and thus finishes the album on a positive high. (DL)"

28-Feb-05 : Awakenings February 2005 Concert reviews

Jez Creek of Awakenings posted this review of our February 2005 gig in Leeds.

"SkinMechanix had loads more gear, including a Roland JD800 and a Kurzweil K2000 for the keyboard parts and an Akai DR8 for the backing parts. Dave was apparently quite nervous but once he got on stage and started playing it certainly didn't show in the music, which was confident, melodic, powerful and totally absorbing. There was plenty of his trademark keyboard soloing and a particularly nice new piece. The already legendary ZEIT Sequencer was also present on stage, though not actually used live. It had been used to generate some sequences on the DR8 and was briefly demonstrated in the soundcheck."

Overall, this was a great first gig for Dave's new project and was remarkably free of the technical difficulties that had plagued his previous outfit T-Bass UK.

Whilst Keef Baker had this to say...

"But Skin Mechanix I found to be quite bland. it was like someone had pressed demo on a keyboard and played (with a bad sense of rhythm) over the top..."

Gee thanks, Keef. Never mind, we've heard your stuff and well, err, yeah. Nice try but, err, yeah. Nuff said, really.

10-Sep-03 : CD Services : Revised review

Andy Garibaldi of CDS mailed us to say that he didn't think that his original review of the Secret Life of Angels did the album justice and so here is his revised review.

The Secret Life of Angels" Review by Andy Garibaldi

"Sixty minute album with tracks short and long that really takes the Berlin School approach by the scruff of the neck and practically reinvents it. Take the ten minute opener, 'First Flight' - it starts with swirling synths that come menacingly from the depths, and rise up as this cascading synth rhythm enters from underneath, phased and percussive sounding, until suddenly the sound of a big, beefy sequencer line allied to a thunderous and resonant bass-synth rhythm erupt from nowhere, add assorted synth and rhythm layers on top of this, as the whole thing drives forward, layer upon layer added to incredible extent. Synth effects fire off at all angles while a lead melody flows out as the rhythms propel it all along, a sort of hybrid of ambient-Berlin hybrid. The piece veers from rhythmic drive to full-sounding, multi-textured cosmic bliss with ease and assurance, giving you a glimpse into the whole dynamic range on offer. But most of all it's delivered with confidence, passion and you really feel that there's a human heart beating away behind all this power and space."

"The five minute title track is a slice of pure, drifting, richly textured space-synths music, with a slow lead melody appearing from its depths as a piano line is barely perceptible but the effect is very Harold Budd-meets-Steve Roach and you only wish you could have had a complete album of this style."

"The near nine minute 'Ultravista' starts with boinging sequencers and adds electronic drums/percussive effects, as this gorgeous string synth appears out the back, a faster, trademark "Berlin School" beefy sequencer line is added and the piece starts its driving journey onwards, again the sounds of melody, space, rhythm and atmosphere all melting in to the entire glorious mix, as the sequencers take hold, a string synth lead glides to the top of the mix and the whole thing takes off with a melody and rhythm line to die for, Tonto-like (the band not the indian) percussive splashes adding to the effect. At times you shut your eyes and it could be Tangerine Dream in a parallel universe. A stunning track."

"The near eight minute 'Zeitgeist' uses a sample as its lead focus initially, before the many layers of synth rhythms, sequencers, bass synths, lead melodies and swirling layers all appear and rolling and out of the mix, the whole shape, feel and texture, not to mention pace and sound, of the track changing shape before your very eyes as it charts a supreme course through your head and heart, again power and space mixed to perfection. The longest track on the album, A Chronium Dark', features a slow synth intro and gradually a solid rhythm from slow bass-depth sequencer is heard and on top of a further sequencer line - this synth choir starts up and you're transported right back to '75-'76-era Tangerine Dream, so full-sounding and natural you'd swear that was what you were hearing, were it not for all the extra touches from swirling space synths, but all with a huge, expansive, superbly produced sound, but with all the feel of that era of the band firmly intact - a track that many synth fans will look towards as a classic of its day, and just one of the many high spots of this album. A short burst of sequencer led magic with nothing else but bubbling synths flying above and below the sequencer is up next followed by an equally short track that is free of rhythm and full of pure, multi-textured space synths, a neat and excellent sounding back-to-back arrangement, before the final ten minutes of 'Dimension Jump' take hold, starting with swirling synths as almost immediately this giant sequencer and thunderous electric drum rhythm section catch fire, the whole thing building layer upon layer as melody lines, atmospheric synth surrounds and more are added to create this expansive piece of driving sequencer-led music that is just fantastic, with all its extra touches and nuances of flowing space synths out the back, lead tunes gliding on top and all the while the rhythmic backbone holding it all together, the now trademark act of building, adding creating and layering, going on a-pace as the mighty track make its way forward."

"Overall, then a massive and strong album, perfect for most sequencer and Tangerine Dream fans who want their familiarity mixed with originality, and will accept something that doesn't recycle old ideas but takes them in hand, reworks and remoulds them to produce something genuinely new and exciting, without losing sight of the (seventies feel) roots of it all. Not a bad moment on an amazing album."

To buy this album from Compact Disc Services click here

09-Jul-03 : Backroads Music

Review by Lloyd Barde

"Skin Mechanix is basically Dave Hughes from T Bass (UK) and the mysterious 'Skin'. Like TBass, the music is sharp, thunderous and full of attitude with loops, sequences and rhythms added on to a series of powerful numbers. A veritable avalanche of sequences and rhythms work in tandem with melodic loops and moody atmospheres. These guys show equal skill with rhythms as they do 'tunes'. And those lead lines - track after track of brilliant, dramatic heavy rhythms come in. It is still the sequences that take center stage however. This album will be a hit for all fans of T Bass though if anything it has even stronger melodies and a harder edge. Many a fan of Shreeve or power synths in general should also go for it."

28-May-03 : Sequences Magazine

Reviewed by Karl Jenkinson

"Like the last T.Bass UK album "The Fabulous Neutrinos" which stood as much chance of appealing to rock fans as it did EM diehards David Hughes has a strong chance of attracting a crowd outside the EM scene with this side project which originally also featured the mysterious Skin (not the one from Skunk Anansie I'm sure) until she disappeared off the face of the earth."

"The album's trance-like feel, starting with the opening "First Flight" which gets off to an appropriately flying start quickly proves that this is much more than the teutonic 'retro' offering I had been led to believe this would be which is where the comments about appealing to a new crowd come to mind. While trance & associated musics can become a little tedious any such pitfalls are neatly sidestepped by alternating between a number of sequences & arpeggios that keep the momentum building nicely for the climax where a scorching rhythm takes the reins. This combination of modern rhythms & strong EM elements brings to mind many of Ian Boddy's late 90s works & is a sensible way for Dave (& Skin, of course!) to move EM into new areas whilst maintaining the elements that we all know & love. "

"Fans of Mind Flux et al will be familar enough with the territory although for my money Skin Mechanix knock spots off the more established artists who dabble in these styles. There are some teutonic influences in the sequencing of "Ultravista" but these are buried underneath more techno rhythms & the infectious melodics that crop up throughout. The dynamic feel of this track is one area where Skin Mechanix resemble T.Bass while the gritty leadline that graces the closing "Dimension Jump" proves to be another, more tangible link. Astute listeners will notice the lead sound used here is one that Dave has put to good use a number of times before & it's appearance is no less welcome on this heavily sequenced track."

"Even the teutonically-influenced A Chromium Dark (which also bears some similarities to Jarre's "Oxygene 4" in the resonant sequencing) builds into a powerful & dynamic piece with an increasingly prevalent rhythm base providing the impetus that the 11 minute duration allows to fullfill it's full potential."

"Zeitgeist is another superb offering with tonal & atonal sound & more gritty leads that give the music a real sense of 'oomph" whenever such sounds are used. Such matters are offset by the short atmospheric moments "Interlude At The Edge Of Known Space" (one of those where the title seems longer than the actual track!) & "Glow" along with the simple 'The Great Discovery' where a sequence fades in, stays for 2.40 & then fades out!"

Despite all the modern influences Dave loads onto this album there's still plenty for EM fans to enjoy & such a dynamic album as this can only ever be a good thing.

24-Nov-02 : The Classic Rock Society Journal, November 2002

Wallace Sephton writes...

"Skin Mechanix is the result of a collaboration between David Hughes of T-Bass UK and a mystery woman known as Skin, the tracks were laid down between [debut album] 'Infection of Time' and 'The Fabulous Neutrinos', then set aside when the collaboration folded. David has re-recorded the entire album with the help of Jules C and a host of noted names in the Electronic Music field. The music is a distinct departure from the other albums, mixing classic Tangerine Dream with modern Dance and Trance beat."

First Flight opens up moodily then explodes with Dance beat, in contrast The Secret Life of Angels is a laid back number featuring wind effects with a haunting piano in the foreground, and synthesiser backdrop. Ultravista returns to a thumping beat with steam discharging in the background, then keyboards take over for melody and backwash."

"Interlude at the Edge of Known Space is a short atmospheric track employing wind effects leading into Zeitgeist, made up of voice samples and some startling keyboard voices against pounding rhythm and steam effects. A Chromium Dark begins with wind effects, giving way to a bubbling beat and choral effects, which alternate throughout the track; the bubbling sequencer continues with The Great Discovery accompanied by jungle effects in the background. Glow roars into life with wind effects and discordant bells then gives way to Dimension Jump with a bubbling sequencer beginning, thumping bass kicks in, then keyboards join in to give melodic structure and the sequencer finishes off in style."

"This album will appeal to Tangerine Dream fans, and their teenage children, it is the kind of album that becomes more appreciated after a few listens."

24-Nov-02 : Compact Disc Services (Electronic Music Supplement) 2002

Andy Garibaldi writes...

"A T-Bass UK side project, and the unmistakable influence of the mothership are apparent throughout this album; in terms of the purely melodic and tune-laden direction many of the tracks take. But where it differs, and this is the case almost from the start, is that the rhythms are a mix of sequencer, trance and techno, so that taking the openning track, the sea of melodies from a multitude of synth layers, are actually part of the rhythm structure for the first part of the piece, as rhythm layer upon rhythm layer is introduced from sequences, electronic drums, sampled drums and synths, a central tune emerging about half way through and spurring it onto greater heights, a hybrid of Berlin School and trance, with atmosphere. The title track is a thickly textured slice of pure space music while the near nine minute Ultravista tones down the trance angle in favour of layers of solid sequencer and phased electronic drums, for all the world sounding like a mix of synth and trance but in reality being a case of 'T-Bass UK with sequences' and a track that breathes fresh life into the retro scene purely by accident. The rest are an equally massive sounding set of compositions that mix sequencer, Tangerine Dream, 'Berlin School' melodies, atmosphere, trance rhythms and more into one giant melting pot, out of which has come an entire album that fullfils the taste of the synth music fan that wants a quality mix of sequencers, tunes and atmospherics, but all at once as opposed to seperate tracks."

07-Nov-02 : Two new SkinMechanix Reviews

The following review was submitted by DJ Scott Raymond of WVKR-FM/Secret Music which is broadcast in the Poughkeepsie region of NY...

"You know, there used to be a time not too many years ago when I used to get lots of cool new CD's sent to me by artists and musicians throughout Europe. All different styles of electronic music, and most of it good. For some reason lately though, things have dried up. With the exception of a few labels like Neu Harmony and Groove, the European electronic music scene seems to have faded away. Fortunately, there are a few decent independent acts still around. Ashok Prema's new album is really great, as is the new Transceive album, both on Champagne Lake Records. And from the Infection Music label comes two new releases: T-Bass UK's 'The Fabulous Neutrinos' and 'The Secret Life Of Angels' by the group Skin Mechanix. Both feature the incredibly cool David Hughes on keyboards, and both put a fresh sound to the old retro music we love so well. Both are big and loud and in-your-face with booming rhythms and heavy electric guitars and other such craziness. For those of you who miss the glory days of Mark Shreeve and Andy Pickford, this is what you need to be listening to right now. God dammit, this is good stuff!"

 

The following review was submitted by SynthMusicDirect's Dave Law and will appear in the forthcoming SMD magazine.

"Skin Mechanix is basically Dave Hughes from T Bass (UK) and the mysterious 'Skin'. 'First Flight' begins with lovely thick sizzling drones and wind sounds that combine together causing a swirling backdrop through which a lovely thick rhythmic loop, that wouldn't have been out of place on an Arc album, emerges. It's sharp, thunderous and full of attitude appearing often throughout the CD, always to great effect. More loops, sequences and rhythms are added until we have an awesomely powerful number. We keep getting small breathers from which the avalanche of sequences and rhythms return with added vigour.

"After the half way mark a superb lead line flashes over the top accompanying another melodic loop. What a fantastic track this is. We flow into the title track on the back of some extremely thick dark cosmic pads. In complete contrast to the previous number we then get melancholy piano and flutey synth leads which conjure a wonderful moody atmosphere which in some ways creates as much excitement as the storming opener.

"'Ultravista' takes us straight back to sequences and that fantastic wonderfully produced rhythmic sound I mentioned on the opener, this time with a hissing edge like steam escaping from shafts above the fiery pits of hell. A melodic loop acts like a second sequence then another really excellent melodic lead comes in. Not many acts show equal skill with rhythms as they do 'tunes'. Skin Mechanix seem to be masters of both though the 'tunes' have real attitude, ideal for air keyboard playing rather than tender and relaxing.

"We then get a very short track 'Interlude at the Edge of Known Space' where the cosmic pads are so deep they are felt more than heard. 'ZeitGeist' is straight into another simply awesome lead line in both melody and sounds chosen. More excellent leads are introduced then a brace of fantastic sequences surge forth and POW! Just when you think things can't get any better they do. The typical SMD customer is simply going to go Ape over this. Its powerful synth music with a snarl! And those lead lines- track after track of brilliance! High hat rhythm and very deep bass sequence emerge out of more thick pads on 'A Chromium Dark'. A second higher register sequence bounces over the first and then enters a lovely Mellotron sound. 'Berlin School' I hear you think and yes it very much has that sort of feel. We then take more of a contemporary turn as the steam laden thick heavy rhythms come in. It is still the sequences that take centre stage however.

"'The Great Discovery' continues with sequences of a rather retro variety sounding rather like a short sequencer demo piece. 'Glow' on the other hand is completely devoid of structure being rather atmospheric and cosmic. Something of a tonic if you like before the storming 'Dimension Jump'. Within a few seconds the sequences and Arcish rhythm burst into life along with a bass beat. It has a similar feel to the opener. The foot is full down on the accelerator and its impossible to keep the body still.

"This album should be liked by all fans of T Bass (UK) though if anything it has even stronger melodies but at the same time a harder edge. Many a fan of Shreeve or power synthesis in general should also go for it. Did I like it? What do you think! As Dave Hughes' confidence increases his music just gets better and better. The chances are you will like this album on first play but by the third it will probably be on constant rotation. It will be massive!"

03-Oct-02 : Review

SkInMeChaNIx : Concert Review by Andy Condon, published on the Beyond EM mailing list. (Slightly editted).

"Sat night was a triumph all round. Having never played a cd by Ashok Prema, I was not too sure about what to expect but I was impressed beyond words. Fantastic stuff that took as much from the old school as it did from the modern day electronica contingent. I'm all for a bit of progression, me. Tried to Þnd out more about the guy. Nothing apart from reviews. No ofÞcial website - well, not that I can Þnd. I think he needs a lot more attention! Christmas list just grown a bit. "

"T Bass, what can you say? Be Proud, be loud, be heard. Storming set from Dave and co. An energetic set of the older stuff delivered with a raw edge to it and Skin mechanix leading the way to breaking the mould and pushing forward boundaries of improvised electronic music? I hope to hear more stuff like this. The SkinMechanix cd has still to be ejected from the stereo. There is a lot to take in. In my opinion, highly recommended"

"All in all a great but sad night what with the future of the place in the balance. but one that will stay with me for a long time to come."

02-Oct-02 : Review

SkInMeChaNIx : Concert Review by Neil Jellis, published on the Beyond EM mailing list.

"I was at JB on Saturday night for what may have been the last concert at the venue. Let's hope the issues surrounding the use of the venue are resolved ready for next year."

"I'm not familiar with Ashok Prema's work (will be soon tho!) but to my ears Ash & Rob Jenkins performed a wonderful set. The balance between the two musicians was superb and their set passed in almost no time at all. I believe they played only three pieces but they were extended works and may have included seques between different tracks. I was well chilled out when the set closed. Great Stuff!"

"T-Bass UK launched into their set with First Flight, the opening track of the new SkinMechanix album, "The Secret Life of Angels". This track is full of energy but it's channelled differently from what we've heard from T-Bass UK in the past. The raw power that exudes from tracks such as "The Fabulous Neutrinos" and "Question of Time" has been replaced with a broader sound palette incorporating sounds more akin to trance/techno/dance and sequences that'll get all but the most boring old fart bopping whilst they listen. However, traditional EM inßuences and motifs aren't far away, making for music that EM devotees from across the genre can enjoy."

"The remainder of the T-Bass UK set comprised what I'd say were their most anthemic tracks from "Infection of Time" and "Neutrinos" such as Tranquility Bass, A Question of Time and The Fabulous Neutrinos together with the more laid back Gazing at the Edge of Forever and three other SkinMechanix tracks; ZeitGeist, Ultravista and the as yet unreleased Waving at Mono."

"All too soon Dave Hughes announced they'd reached their last track but an encore of "Tranquility Bass" sent us home happy."

"As Dave Law said at the end, if this was the last concert at JB it was a great to finish with such a memorable evening. I'm sure others can write a better review of 'The Secret Life of Angels' than I, but my recommendation would be to buy it, sit back and enjoy. I don't think you can pigeon hole the style and who needs to anyway, classify it under 'One of the best releases of 2002' "

SkInMeChaNIx : Reviews : Some early first impressions...

"High energy techno synths clash with slow, ambient, Eno-esque pianos. Mind-expanding retro-analogue textures - which are as much felt as they are heard - create a mesmerising blend of hypnotic mood music. Believe the hype. This is one special CD." SW, North East Spiritz

"I was expecting somthing closer to the distinctive T-Bass sound but this CD came as a delightful surprise. Tangerine Dream retro, Brian Eno style avant garde noisescapes, Art of Noise sampled vocals, the eclectic meanderings of Orbital, the catchiness of System F and Amand Van Helden - all those influences and many more are readily apparent in this debut release from North East based SkinMechanix. But, and here's the $64 million question : Does it work?"

"In a word, absolutely! This is a CD I went back to over and over again which says more in just twelve words than a whole page in the Guardian! One to savour!" BJC, North Dance Magazine

"The perfect blend of ambient noise fused with just the right mix of bombastic synth-rock. Over-the-top screaming melodies, low-down woofer-shaking atmospherics and cool washes of swirling synthy noises. Just one fantastic chill-out album". RML

"Who are SkinMechanix? According to the blurb, one half of the band hasn't been heard of since 1999 which presents something of a problem when releasing a debut album for a new band. It is music or just noise? Neither and both which is as close as you'll get to an opinion from a musical zealot like myself. I'd prefer to sit on the fence a while longer and make my mind up when fate and mediocrity has consigned this bunch to the great cut-out bin the sky or turned them into the rock Gods that they deserve to be. It's out now on the InfectionMusic label." DTL.