Albums

Album Review: Computer vs Banjo

[Album: Computer vs Banjo]
[Label: Diagram Records]

Technology has always pushed music in different directions. The 1970s and 1980s opened up creative possibilities in which the sound engineer and mixer, where they previously were separate entities, could now be one. Artists began to have complete control over the creating and processing aspects of their music. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of “traditional” bands that use computers not only for mastering and mixing, but as direct instruments in the songs. Computer vs Banjo’s name has literally spelt that process out with reference to the instruments modern association with bluegrass and country music. “Folktronica” was coined by the British press to describe Four Tet’s album ‘Rounds’, and although it may be obvious to begin to make comparisons between the two bands, Computer vs Banjo (CVB) borrow from many other genres to create an experimental and varied album. The limitations on using technology within the song writing process are not only artistic preference, but I guess the band’s budget has something to do with it—I wonder how much the reactable used in Bjork’s tour last year cost?

CVB consists of only two members, Johnny Mann and Beau Stapleton, both of whom are multi-instrumentalists. If you didn’t know that and heard the album, you would probably think there were at least four band members. Thought it should be said that the album was made with four other musicians who helped with additional bass and drum work. The duo play a multitude of instruments on the album, from acoustic guitars, drum machines and banjos to dobros, synths and mandolins. Yet, this is not an album full of lo-fi sounds and unconventional song structures, CVB concentrate on melody and substance and, in doing so, craft together a collection of different sounding folk/pop songs of which there is plenty of variance and influence—I wouldn’t be able to count the number of bands these guys remind me of on one hand.

‘Jubilee’ is a brooding song with gentle piano keys and soft guitar strumming. The main chord progressions continue throughout the song. In fact, many of the tracks focus on simple but effective chord progression melodies. ‘Give up on Ghosts’ is a feet stomping acoustic track. The speaker effect on the vocals reminds me of Beck and the tight treble funk bass at the end of the track reminds me of something Les Claypool would do. The computers take over on ‘Outer Space’, and it does indeed sound very astrological as the airy vocals and computer samples lead on to a very strong and forceful chorus. It sounds very distant, detached, and possibly similar to Pink Floyd. As does the track ‘2heavy2hold’. ‘San Joaquin’ is a sublime slow blues/folk track with a slow rhythm guitar. Both Mann and Stapleton sing and hum along. ‘Stone’ smacks of Gomez and is another strong song on the album.

Computer vs Banjo have released a solid debut release full of melodic folk/pop songs with an obvious but not distracting electronic influence.

Check out the Ninja Simone remix of Magazine Queen

For fans of: Four Tet, The Album Leaf, Gomez
Band link = Computer Vs Banjo

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