The Dogs' Richard Sen must have a 360 degree head, as he constantly looks back for inspiration, then with a twist here, and a turn there, makes a genre of his own. There's a revolving and evolving view of the possibilities of electro here. Imagine what can be done with a generous helping of funk, and a dash of house or hip-hop.
The first single from the album, 'Enviro', is a laid-back concoction of beats, hi-hats and lush, sweeping strings, interrupted only by the funky twang of a solo guitar. Picture a Miami Vice- style scene when listening to 'Pure Pleasure', where those electro influences really come to the forefront. Listen carefully and other subtle bits and pieces will come creeping in. Ska-fuelled beats make an appearance on 'Furious Orbit', and throw down the mats for a bit of 80's style breakdancing to 'Synthetic Genetic'.
The sound is organic and warm, rather than mechanical. 'Night Of The Disco Dead' is a twisted headfunk. Earthy percusssion and grinding beats melt together in a bewitching slow-burning brew. Detroit-influenced 'Equinox' builds on the percussion, adding a rolling bassline, before moving on to sweeping synths in an atmospheric journey to electro-house land. Elements of old school funk come creeping in on 'Candida Royale', in the form of easy-grooving percussion and the funkiest of guitar riffs. It's all pulled together with those sweeping strings again.
Sen's take on abstract future electro-funk has a real lifeforce. It breathes and moves, and flows with liquid warmth. It reflects this world of possibilities as seen through imaginative eyes.
