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Drums + Machines "Amok"
format: album, released: 2005
genre: deep sample-laiden electro dub

review by Karl Mohr


Rod Marquart is the big brain behind the huge trudging frankenstein
that is Drums + Machines. Hailing from Halifax, Marquart has been
releasing his special brand of electronic dub for years as DIY,
independent releases. With sound quality improving on each record,
this CD is marked by its inclusion of many other players: Lee Clark
on vocals, Phil Walling on theremin and synths, Jim Cameron on electric
guitar. Marquart's sound is deep, gritty, electronic and groovy. The
addition of more live players has only intensified his aims.

Reminding significantly of the work of Adrian Sherwood and his
On-U-Sound system and also of Lee Perry, Marquart continues in the
tradition of developing live drum work and electronics together across
a sample-based narrative. For example, in "R.E. 35 Unit" we hear the
voice of Hal 2000 and Dave in their classic Space Odyssey out-take;
Marquarts steady, intense and frightening sculpting of his music
around this cultural guide-post saves this device from being trite
and actually pays great homage to the film in the process.

More filmic and broad in places, the use of synthesizers and hot
island drumming makes for a steamy blend. Live guitar also works
quite naturally and Cameron's integration is tasteful and sly.
Marquart's trademark tom fills and pushes are larger than any kind
of real life as he sinks heavy in the pocket. The line between
acoustic drums and electronic transients blurs constantly - a
pleasing push and pull between the real and the imagined.

Marquart's big sloppy sound collages with vocal loops and layers
of media clips form a psychedelic mishmash that allows the mind
to trip and travel. It never wanders too far, due to the heavy,
unwavering tempo laid down on the drums. This is massive electronic
music with implied political messages via careful use of media samples.
Dub at its most meaningful. Spark 'em if you got 'em.

Standout tracks: "Numbers Will Be High" has an intensity
to get under the skin with dark rolling waves of pleasure; it
slowly unfolds and applies gentle pressure. "R.E. 35 Unit" lifts
Stanley Kubrick up to an astounding new level; the drama is finely
recontextualized with tension driven to the max. "Cybercore" is
truly gigantic in groove, with bass as big as your head.