Benza Self-Titled Album Review

Label: Demon Tea Recording

Released: July 2003

Tracklist:

1.                 Cardboard Squares

2.                 Flinch

3.                 Duality

4.                 Bowling For Weirdos

5.                 10 Yards

6.                 When The Generals Talk (Benza Remix)

7.                 Upon Further Inspection

8.                 Square Pyramid

9.                 The Wolf

10.            Idiot Savant

11.            Wedontneeduaroundherenemore

2003 psy-trance album, and this Label definitely will have more discussion on this blog, and the Aussie talents they produce. First up is Benza (Ben Ryderman):

“Cardboard squares” is a great start, very funky and upbeat. It has some great James Brown vocal samples interspersed to kick-off dancing.

“Flinch” is vastly psychedelic, and harks back to full-on Goa in style, faster paced dancing on this one.

“Duality” another favorite, is amazing Tribal electro.

The second longest track, “10 Yards” has bass effects with smooth and electro intermixing with it. Most notable is this weird possibly reverse playing vocals as lead-in arrangement to the end of the song, it’s kind of crazy at first, but after a moment you’ll realize that it actually works effectively.

The most stand-out song is “When the Generals Talks” and wow, I don’t know what possessed him to remix Midnight Oil's song into very bass heavy, funky electro track, but I’m glad for it. One thing it does is introduce more Australian musical talents to us, in this case the kind encapsulated of the 1980s. (You can pick up the
“‘80s” vibe in that chorus real quick with a keen ear…)

“Upon Further Inspection” is probably the best Sci-Fi and futuristic interpretation in the form of musicality on the album. It also has Dark-Trance touch, and faster BPMs.

And “Idiot Savant” is the best Psy-trance of the album.

Nothing is repetitive, has exceptional vocal sampling -- and these are the unique artists I love to find, that can I keep a 7 to 10 minute song alternating its sounds, breakdowns, and transitions to keep us engaged the whole way through (Shpongle is also a master at this). Benza is one of the best many never heard of in the EDM community.

                                  Favorites/Recommends:

 Flinch

When the General Talks

Upon Further Inspection

Ratings:

Music Variety & Creativity 9/10

Catchiest Song: 10 Yards

Overall Replay Value: High