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An early contender for album of the year. There, that got your attention didn’t it?

While Europe is obsessed with big names, and the psy world is (to a greater or lesser extent) reeling from the recent flurry of suddenly-decent takes on that clean, “neo” fullon sound, from a corner of Australia comes this. Benza’s previous work has been impressive, but with Schwarze he has found his voice.

Mechanism takes the standard-fayre post-Beckers electrodiscotechgressive and adds a bit of gnarl in just the right place. The mix between fluid, flighty prog and los mas cajones just where they’re needed is compelling: you get the feeling that you’re listening to something very special indeed. Likewise Fabric. Pure outdoor dustydoof slowly picks up melodic tinges, before it goes utterly through the roof about halfway through. And I don’t mean “through the roof” in a Sesto Sento way. This is measured, unstressed, authentic stuff.

The quality and vision on this album are incredible. The two-part breaks workout of Overture/The Switch is possibly the finest case in point. The electroclash, with unapologetic 80’s stabs, has me in mind of Arif Mardin, producer of Chaka Khan; likewise the tender, ticklish Irreverence.

The Wolf gets a confident and wide-ranging rework, all the more haunting in this guise; meanwhile Everyone’s A Pornstar is like Boogie Nights recast with Peaches donning a strapon and taking Prince up the arse. Fans of Benza’s earlier (and perhaps more aggressive) output will be interested in The Collector, a driving rhythm section which is accompanied not to much by instruments and lines, but by sounds that are somehow suspended over the top to create harmony.

Finally, the ten-minute Sunday seems to sync together Iron Maiden, Shpongle and Haltya while meshing it all into the theme music for some desperately odd Manga flick.

Schwarze actually makes me with I was a producer, as I’m sure there’s a whole nother level of appreciation for those who make music. However, I’m a critic and critic’s don’t evaluate art based on the quality of the canvas.

This album is out there on its own. It’s lasting, it’s listenable, it’s funky, it’s enjoyable. I’m frothing at the mouth. It’s really that good.

10