Dada Swing--cut, cut, cut...
Cochon 2003
There has been a long standing trend where bands try to integrate many different genres into their own sound. In recent times, there seems to be an overkill when bands choose this route--often layering texture upon texture at the expense of their songs. Mercifully, there are still some bands left out there who know how to juggle diverse influeces with taste. On cut, cut, cut..., Dada Swing do just that.
Dada Swing's sound is an interesting amalgam of several different styles. Imagine no wave being cross-pollinated with hip hop and the jazz based freakouts most associated with bands on the Skin Graft Records roster, then you'll have some idea what's going on with cut, cut, cut.... Due to this eclectic blend, the best single band comparison to this outfit would be Free Kitten. It's not a dead on cop, but definitely in the same ballpark. Think abrasive and angular, yet very danceable all the way.
Cut, cut, cut... offers you twelve tracks, all of which are extremely solid. That said, the more Dada Swing's hip hop leanings shine through, the better this disc is. Evidence of this fact is provided by "Hand Yr Claps," "Pick U Up," and the album's most immediate track, "Cats, Toys." Likewise, "Herpes Robot" stands out, thanks to a linear, dreamy outtro section which provides the only room to breathe amongst the rest of cut, cut, cut's unrelenting hyperactivity. Still, if you were looking for the best 'single' choice here, it might be the remix of "Ru-diculous" that closes the album. Almost unrecognizable next to the original version from earlier on the slab, this reworking puts that awesome hip hop slant back in the fore and features some very cool panning techniques.
Fans of any the aforementioned bands and styles are encouraged to check out cut, cut, cut.... There are other bands who've tread this path before, but Dada Swing are very, very good at what they do. Well executed and composed, retaining a semblance of freshness--you really couldn't ask for much more. Defintely worth a listen.
Score this CD directly from COCHON |
