Artist: Knix
Title: Electric Poetry
Label: Proton Music
By: Antonella Sirec | 9 September 2006
Tracklist:

• 1. Knix 'Particles' Edit
• 2. Pole Folder '80 Hz Electricity' Mix
• 3. Jesse Somfay 'Aearoplane Breath' Mix

Knix "Electric Poetry"

It's not often I find it difficult to listen to music but every now and then, I'm left scratching my head as to what the producer or DJ were thinking when creating a piece of music or putting together a mixed compilation. In the case of 'Electric Poetry' by Knix, I'm left a bit stunned as to why this particular piece of music was released in the first place. While deep seated in the electro genre, it's so blatantly infused with such obvious elements of that particular genre, that, to be honest, I find it beyond disappointing and more of an insult to my ears.

The Knix 'Particles' edit of 'Electric Poetry' begins with a static synth used as a beat with an underlying harmonic brought in. A mellow bass is introduced soon enough while spliced with knife like effects which continues very much on the same wavelength until the end. Throughout the tune, a distorted vocal is combined with those static synths and used in various points to create overly loud breakdowns. It's at this point that I have to say this is probably contender for worst track of the year for me. Irrespective of how many times I forced myself to listen to this, I was instantly irritated by those synths and questioned whether this was actually a completed composition. This could have been quite a clever electro tune but the overuse of the "electric" samples and distorted vocals overshadowed any harmonics that were present. This is definitely a case of too much "electric" distortion for art's sake and not enough musical poetry for dance's sake. I'll go so far as to say that if I ever hear a DJ play this particular version in a club, I will punch him or her!

The Pole Folder '80 Hz Electricity' mix is a welcome relief to say the least. Opening with a combination drum and clapping beat, he quickly brings in a rhythmic bass and atmospheric piano melody. Growing in texture and feel, Pole Folder has thankfully downplayed those annoying electrically distorted synths and really played up a nice rolling bass. As such those synths no longer drown out all the other elements of the track but work equally to created a piece of music that’s much easier on the ear and frankly, nicer to listen to. While still incorporating those distorted synths, they no long overpower the tune but instead now add an interesting element in sound all the while take on a warm and groove laden quality. Slightly longer in running time, this time round, in Pole Folder's hands, 'Electric Poetry' sounds like a piece of music that I would gladly hear in a DJ set anywhere.

The Jesse Somfay 'Aearoplane Breath' Mix unfortunately travels into a side of minimal that I really do not like. This remix started off very promisingly with a bass heavy beat that was reminiscent of a heartbeat combined with clicky effects. As this continued along for a minute or so, I expected a nicely lush, melody to start but sadly this never eventuated. Instead, that beat continued on the same plane for the duration of the track while fuzzy synths, clicks and beeps were introduced at varying points. Occasionally, the pitch of the tune would take an upward climb with the layers of noise suddenly dissipating so that the bass infused beat could be heard again. And yes, I realise the word "noise" has been used but in the overall scheme of things, this general sound of this particular track is just that! While there was a hint of a melody which was used quite atmospherically, there just wasn't enough of it to detract from my initial objections. The very essence of minimal house can still hold a sense of depth and harmonics but unfortunately, this particular remix doesn't hold either.

I honestly sometimes shake my head in despair at the disappointing level of quality displayed in some releases. I often imagine a producer sitting in their studio or at their computer, giggling in a drunken fit, ready to take the mickey out of their record label and ultimately their fan base. More then anything, I question the ability of certain label managers or A&R staff to distinguish an upfront, interesting yet dancefloor friendly piece of music as apposed to a piece of muck. Unfortunately for Knix, 'Electric Poetry' fits into the latter far too easily and not even the Pole Folder remix, which is far superior to that of the original or the other remix, can save this from itself. Even from the first listening, this sounded like someone thought it would be a good idea to jump on the electro bandwagon and hope for the best. However, the thing that shocks me the most is that this has been released through a Proton Music sub label! I've always thought of Proton as a radio station and label that's been on point with its choices but this is just disappointing. A bad track is a bad track no matter how much you try and doll it up. Such a shame as this could have been something really out there without alienating the listener.