Search - Basic Pleasure Model :: Sunyata

A brilliant return from a longtime favorite

hsditto | Seattle, WA USA | 01/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The release of Sunyata marks not just the introduction of Basic Pleasure Model, but the return of 90's underground band Psykosonik. Founder Paul Sebastian returns here with Caesar Filori (aka Pedestrian and 1/2 of synthpop duo Wideband Network) to create what can only be described as a masterpiece of lush and epic proportions.The original version sets the tone appropriately. The production is tight and clean, Paul's voice is clear and refined, the harmonies are appropriately layered, the bass is crisp, the effects are well-placed, and the atmospherics deserve a standalone release (and can be found on BPM's website). When you hit the chorus, Sunyata fires on all cylinders of a well-balanced engine.The Lush79 Remix is actually a solo exploration by Paul Sebastian as I understand it. The mix, pushing close to deep house, utilizes bits and pieces of the the vocal chorus and intertwines enough new melodies that while it's far from my usual style, it unexpectedly became my favorite remix off the disc.Third up is the KiloWatts Remix. Having heard his work prior to this (remixing DPP - m3x1k0 and working on an upcoming album with Vanek), I wasn't surprised to find the usual dizzying array of effects aided by a variety of destruction and granulation plugins. This mix is not for the feint of heart. Breaks are dropped unexpectedly, edits come from nowhere, and the first thing that comes to mind is how someone could possibly have envisioned a mix like this. Following a line of downtempo glitch-hop, it caters exclusively to a niche crowd of electronic enthusiasts (most notably fans of Telefon Tel Aviv and Prefuse73). Fellow producers will love it. For the average listener, it will take some growing. Give it time, it's worth it.The 3pm Mix (Casey Clark, the other half of Wideband Network) is somewhat of an epic eurotech variant, flying along with a pulsing bass line, a new layer of melodies, unafriad to use the chorus hook. The effects are solid and the breakdown rocks. My only complaint is, clocking in at a mere 4:13, that it's too short.Pedestrian Mix -- This is Caesar Filori's indy project, much like Paul's Lush79 music. Taking a totally different course, this mix gives a surprising package gift wrapped for fans of KMFDM, Nine Inch Nails, and Gravity Kills. It's industrial to the core. The key elements of the original are all there, but processed, filtered, and reinterpreted, paying homage to the goth scene from a very unexpected source. A great touch for rounding out the single.Not much to be said about the final three mixes -- the Lush79 night version is a slightly different arranged version with less vocals, the radio edit is self explanatory (I much prefer the full five minutes), and the instrumental holds it's own during concentrated listening, not usually the case in many songs.The original Psykosonik blueprint is still here, from the original ambient self indulgent intros to the mystical, escapist vocal work. What's new in this first reincarination in 8 years is a new level of technical proficiency and artistic harmony. Sunyata represents everything we loved of Psykosonik and the evolution of what we look forward to seeing it become.To sum it all up -- it was ten dollars well spent, and I look forward to upcoming releases."

Amazing!!

Hildagarde Rasmussen | Vero Beach, Florida, United States | 01/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best music I've heard in a long time. "Sunyata" is truly rocking my world. I can't wait to hear more from these guys! Buy this single!!!!"

Fantasmagorgasmlicious

Ed Hagopian | Germantown, WI United States | 01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you were ever a fan of Psykosonik, and wished for a second coming, well here it is. This first CD is their springboard single to what is undoubtably going to be a fantastic album. If that wasn't enough, you have 5 outstanding remixes each with a distict flavor from the same tasty aural dish. Throw in 2 edits, one being an instrumental that shows off the fantastic production skills. If you thought Psykosonik was done, think again. It's better then ever. It's your Basic Pleasure Model."