Two Lone Swordsmen, actually DJs Keith Tenninswood and Andrew Weatherall, have released a veritable concept album here, putting sea divers on the cover and drowning the listener in waves of atmospheric melodies and song-to... more »-song flow. This record isn't just another club mix; the sensation TLS successfully achieve is of literally being underwater. As far as overall style goes, they incorporate several different elements of their ever-expanding techno palate, applying trance, light drum & bass, and electro-funk in their musical approach and using wavering, water-logged tones, sampled tides, and muted melodies that rise to the surface like air bubbles. The atmospheric elements in songs such as "We Change the Frequency" are so pronounced, in fact, that it even makes for a certain kitschy fun, like a submerged Stereolab. The distinctly land-based and inconsistent EP, A Bag of Blue Sparks, which comprises the final five tracks, feels tacked on. But bonus-track quibbles aside, if you're planning on doing a little scuba diving after the rave (or just relaxing somewhere after a long club night), Stay Down is the perfect soundtrack. --Matthew Cooke« less
Two Lone Swordsmen, actually DJs Keith Tenninswood and Andrew Weatherall, have released a veritable concept album here, putting sea divers on the cover and drowning the listener in waves of atmospheric melodies and song-to-song flow. This record isn't just another club mix; the sensation TLS successfully achieve is of literally being underwater. As far as overall style goes, they incorporate several different elements of their ever-expanding techno palate, applying trance, light drum & bass, and electro-funk in their musical approach and using wavering, water-logged tones, sampled tides, and muted melodies that rise to the surface like air bubbles. The atmospheric elements in songs such as "We Change the Frequency" are so pronounced, in fact, that it even makes for a certain kitschy fun, like a submerged Stereolab. The distinctly land-based and inconsistent EP, A Bag of Blue Sparks, which comprises the final five tracks, feels tacked on. But bonus-track quibbles aside, if you're planning on doing a little scuba diving after the rave (or just relaxing somewhere after a long club night), Stay Down is the perfect soundtrack. --Matthew Cooke
CD Reviews
Okay, but there's much better out there
Guy Thompson (ironylung@aol.com) | Sale, Cheshire, England | 09/07/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Stay Down" has some decent tunes on it, a couple of excellent ones (tracks 9 and 12, I forget the titles), but it has a few very dull ones and only lasts 45 minutes. It's definitely not at all commercial, but there are a lot of other bands that do this sort of thing a lot better such as Boards of Canada and Plaid, and I'd definitely invest in albums by those artists before this one, but this is still an interesting enough experiment, just lacking some of the depth of other artists in the genre on repeated listens. There's enough to suggest that their next album might pull a few surprises."
Unprofessional behaviour
katja_r | 06/18/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"There are several levels from which to enjoy this CD by the TWO LONE SWORDSMAN. For those lacking the propensity of active listening, STAY DOWN fits well as "wallpaper". It is unobtrusive enough to fall into the background yet, distinctive when acknowledged. As such, I find it easy to read with this music in the background. There are rewards, though, for those who listen more closely. Tracks 1-11 intimate a watery journey. This is accomplished through the use of "bubble" fx, tremelo with phase shifting, and familiar sounds presented in an unfamiliar way (e.g. backwards). An entertaining rhythm ties the journey together. If you are interested in electronic music with a theme that fits nicely with the decór, this CD will interest you."
Bubbly techno from the deep
Richard Diaz | 05/14/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Two lone Swordsmen bring a fresh sound to the often stagnant realm of techno with this strong release of underwater-themed tracks. This disc does several things right, from it's watery concept that seems ripe for a daring Bond soundtrack, to its track lengths, which get their point across and finish before monotony settles in."Hope we Never Surface" sets the tone with its static, airy beat and soft melody. With "The Big Clapper" you can practically see men in aquatic suits exploring the ocean floor. "Ivy & Lead", the disc's best track, features a supple skip-beat and deep cello that longs to be a James Bond tune if the series ever tried to be cool. The following tracks dip into electro, wrapped in bubbling beats and keys.After track 7 though, the CD abandons the theme for more routine electro/techno. Tracks 8 and 9 wear thin, 10 "Alpha School" is Aphex-like, and the rest are tacked on bonus tracks from a prior ep. These bonus tracks show clever production techniques but aren't as compelling. But that's Ok, as this English duo accomplish their mission and provide a compelling reason to buy this off the first half-dozen tracks, and let you pick and choose from the rest."
Chilling me gently, funking me up
wolverinaphile | Portland, OR USA | 01/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautiful, atmospheric, underwater landscapes sweep me away every time I listen to this album (which is frequently). "hope we never surface" sets the tone of the album: peaceful, trippy, almost other-wordly. "Spine Bubbles" stands out with deep, danceable beats. Two Lone Swordsmen are at the top of their genre, adding yet another complicated dimension to electronic music. A brief, but satisfying aural indulgence."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1