Search - Lemongrass :: Windows

Near-classic bogged down by chaffing b-sides

Richard Diaz | 11/18/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Call it the allure of the compact disc; a tantalizing eighty minutes to stuff your creations within for eager ears. Precisely the trap found on Windows, the latest album by supremely talented bloke Lemongrass, aka Roland Voss. His heady blend of ethereal, Asian atmosphere and dusty beats has compilers stumbling over themselves to grab his tunes for Budda Bar/French Hotel/Are We Chilled Yet? compilations. Here's why: Sunrise of Fujijama's effortlessly flowing percussion has three tracks of percussion coolly wrapped together, all while mellow keyboards dance about. Then there's undeniably dreamy Planet Tears, hazy lullaby and sullen violin cradling Eastern-accented poetry (also heard on Tarentella vs Redanka's club smash Karma but used here first). Gipsy Moon pairs well, slipping flutes into the mix. Including deftly drummed up horizontal fare Imagine, Passengers, and crackling-vinyl vocal Journey to a Star and This Way would normally guarantee a lil' album destined for near-classic status.But, sadly, the chaff's rather bad. Winnetou Melody and Plain strike off-kilter with instant "I know I don't like that" squiggles on top. And frankly, Librabelle proves he can program drum and bass, but, like Wei Fung Chi is stitched together just to show off. A prime example of requiring addition by subtraction, Windows can still enthrall the listener willing to sift through the b-sides."