loveislight ~ Gim

Many of us have dreamed of taking our favorite parts of old records and splicing them together, leaving the less interesting parts on the floor.  Few have actually done it, and fewer still have done it well.  Chris Suda (known here as loveislight) is one of those few, and his third release, Gim, demonstrates that he has been making steady progress since his debut only a year ago.  The title possesses two definitions, the first being an edible Korean seaweed and the second being a person or state of mind characterized by cheer and creativity.  We’re going with the second definition, although the first is made possible by the second; if we’re having so much fun, why not name ourselves after an unusual snack?

Gim plays like a mix tape, and thankfully it is indeed a tape, a dozen tracks that fly by in just under half an hour and leave the listener wanting more.  It’s especially fitting for an expansive drive, in the same manner as a Solid Steel mix.  One is never sure when one track ends and another begins, especially since some pause in the middle.  The tracks are graced by a wide array of appealing beats, dominated by the snare, but including cowbell and bongo as well.  A wide variety of tempos is on display both between and within these selections.  The old slowed-down turntable first appears on “It Pays to Dwell”, but by the end, heads will be nodding.

Even more appealing is the variety of sampled instrumentation, including piano, thumb piano, guitar and orchestra, the latter found on prime cuts “Broadcast” and “Free Men Surrendering”.  A generous swath of dialogue samples adds considerable spice: an old woman reminiscing, a newsman awaiting a verdict, a soldier (or disc jockey!) speaking of annihilation.  A children’s pop choir appears at the end of “Contact Pt. 1”, followed by a spin-back; we suspect an old 45.  The only down note is the repetition of samples on the second track of each side; this may offer balance, but with so many available, why repeat?

Fans of Coldcut, Fingathing, Total Normal and the recently reviewed Public Service Broadcasting will find much to admire here.  It may be old school, but it sure sounds fresh.  Yes, that’s a play on words; after all, we’re talking gim.  (Richard Allen)

Available here