Alec Berlin - Space Punk and Other Junk
Alec Berlin's latest album, Space Punk and Other Junk is a 54-minute-long masterpiece comprising 12 tracks that exhibit his exceptional music production skills. The album's mix is impressive, with each instrument sitting right in the stereo mix, and it serves as an addition to the Ohio-born artist's knack for fusing his jazz roots with modern progressive songwriting. Alec Berlin has been tearing up stages of all sizes in NYC for quite a while now - ranging from intimate downtown venues all the way to Radio City Music Hall. Space Punk and Other Junk is the next exciting addition to his roster. Diving deep into Space Punk and Other Junk "Space Punk" sets the tone for the Jazz Rock record with its guitar riffs that are so well thought out that you'll jump for that repeat button from the get-go. Following this, “Man’s Best Friend” opens with a captivating acoustic guitar rhythm, which is a departure from Berlin’s usual style. Beat Confabulator (All Night on the Floor) is a hybrid of progressive jazz and alternative rock. It is groovy, it is tight, and most importantly, it is meticulously written and produced. A soothing, relaxed vibe is felt instantly with a song like LaNoise. It propagates a scene that would be depicted as a lazy Sunday afternoon, having a simple conversation... "Minir Maad" is a song where Alec Berlin details a documentary as a traveller through the Arabian Peninsula. while "Patchen Avenue" is a bluesy track, Alec makes a tantalizing composition that has a light marching percussive quality that asks you to breathe with it. The album's final track, "ROYGBIV," is a piece that ventures into progressive jazz territories and hints at what Alec has in store for his fans next. Berlin's album boasts a well-crafted sonic landscape with its rich sound textures and production techniques. The drums' compression and the utilization of the stereo field are impressive, and the overdriven preamps add warmth and depth to the sound. The guitar solos in each track are well-executed, showcasing the musician's mastery of his instrument. A Hot Serving of Jazz Folk Rock from Cleveland Guitar Hero: Alec Berlin According to a previous press release, “After more than two decades as an in-demand sideman, Alec Berlin has made an album that combines his love of concise pop-rock songwriting with his expertise as a guitarist. Berlin describes Space Punk and Other Junk, his fourth release, as “instrumental singer-songwriter music. These songs speak the vernacular of concise pop-rock music, so you’d expect them to have words. But it’s instrumental music...” The album's genre-blending and diverse sonic palette make it a great fit for movie soundtracks. The high-energy tracks would be perfect for action or sports films, while the slower ballads would work well in more emotional or dramatic scenes. Two movies that come to mind are "Baby Driver," directed by Edgar Wright, and Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," directed by James Gunn, both of which featured eclectic soundtracks that blended different genres and styles. In conclusion, with Space Punk and Other Junk, Alec Berlin has established himself as a talented musician and producer in the global indie music scene. He released his debut record, a collection of original jazz called Crossing Paths, in 2000, and followed up with a pair of vocal-based pop and rock records – Beauty, Grazing at the Trough in 2007, and Innocent Explanations in 2012. The album is a must-listen for fans of jazz-rock instrumental pieces, and its unique blend of genres is impressive. Berlin's background as a musician, including his work with Green Day and his three previous albums, adds depth to his creative portfolio, and his fans can not wait to see what he has in store after this exhilarating fourth LP!
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