Another group hell bent on proving that the best electronic music is acombination of programmed beats and sampled live instruments, FilaBrazillia first gained notice as remixers of popular acts. Remixes ofRadiohead tracks by the two, David McSherry and Steve Cobby, were themost notable, but their most recent project was the CD by The TwilightSingers, Greg Dulli's darker side project away from the Afghan Whigs.Brazillia were brought in after the first mix of the album to add somespice, which they did, but Dulli was so impressed with their writing,as well, that he composed a few tracks with them specifically for therelease. The duo show off that skill more here, but the results are alittle uneven, though an entertaining listen. It must be said that theuse of live instrumentation is impressive, especially the Stevie WOnderharmonica on a few tracks, and that the album is a much more upbeataffair. It's all pretty well produced, and the fact that McSherry andCobby played most of the instruments with only a few guests is alsoworthy of praise. There are a few too many missteps, however, for it tobe a truly great release. Sampled vocals on 'Spill the Beans' byWashington Phillips come off sounding like Moby Lite, and most tracksuse up their fresh tones and originality in the first minute, thenrepeat the same elements until they're almost monotonous. Standouttracks feature the duo sampling organ and guitar with funky andstuttering breakbeats behind them, and just funking out to rock yourbooty. There's even an ingenious use of sampling on 'DNA': Dead CanDance (bet you never thought they'd be used to shake your rump)! All ina greater effort to bring the funk, which they do well. Overall,though, I give the record a C, as it seems Fila Brazillia are nothingmore than England's answer to Daft Punk on most of these tracks. -
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