Skalpel: Deep Breath
From Konfusion (Ninja Tune, 2005)
While many Ninja Tune artists are noted for their musical playfulness, Polish duo Skalpel distinguish themselves by their reverential treatment of samples. Drawing from obscure ’60’s and 70’s jazz records, the duo meticulously assembles ghostly ensembles one instrument at a time. Indeed, an inattentive listener could easily mistake Skalpel’s tracks for the work of live musicians. Foregoing the audio manipulations that act as a show of technical prowess for many producers (see: the near-obligatory drum-chop freakouts in instrumental hip-hop), Skalpel instead find their strength in the sheer quality of their sources, from crisp drum kits to deep upright bass. Delving into a vast archive of untapped vinyl, Skalpel act as a sort of musical dreamcatcher, capturing, congealing, and condensing the spirits of a past sound.
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Hey great post! I have <em>Sculpture</em> from Skalpel's eponymous 2004 album (a classic downtempo track) but never got around to picking up the album or further exploring the these guys. <em>Deep Breath</em> is sublime. i'll pick up the Konfusion — thanks!
i have one of their older 10"s somewhere i think. the whole polish jazz sound is pretty cool. i'll have to check out the rest of their stuff.
Skalpel definitely went for a more laid back, natural approach to this record.
<em>Sculpture</em> had definite precision and well structured arrangements.
So while there aren't any standouts on this record, it all gells together into a chill cohesive album very well.
Nice stuff, Mike.
The comment about the cohesiveness of the album is def. on point – I had a hard time singling out a track to post up here.
Haha, random. A search on Hype Machine led me back to this post I forgot. I wanted to see if anyone had posted Deep Breath, which after several album listens, has emerged as the hottest track. So you absolutely nailed the best track, Mike. Tight posts, as always.